The Senate, on Thursday, passed four contentious tax reform bills for second reading during its plenary session.
The decision followed presentations by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who led the debate on the proposed legislations.
During the debate, several senators expressed strong support for the bills. Senators Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), and Senate Whip Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) all backed the reforms, citing their potential benefits.
However, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) opposed the bills, arguing that its timing was inappropriate and that broader consultations were needed before proceeding.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a voice vote, which resulted in the bills passing the second reading.
The Senate subsequently directed its Committee on Finance to hold a public hearing on the proposed legislations. Key stakeholders, including the Governors’ Forum, the National Economic Council (NEC), and the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), are expected to present their views. The committee is to submit its findings within six weeks.
The tax reform bills are expected to generate further debate as they progress through the legislative process, given the mixed reactions from lawmakers and the general public
