The Senate on Wednesday approved the harmonised version of the tax reform bills put forward by President Bola Tinubu.
The decision followed the consideration of the recommendations from the conference committee of both chambers, which was tasked with reconciling differences between the earlier versions of the bills.
Presenting the harmonised report, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, outlined the final agreements reached.
The move represents a major step in reforming Nigeria’s tax administration and revenue generation system, aligning with the Tinubu administration’s broader fiscal reform agenda.
The four tax reform bills, transmitted to the National Assembly in November last year, include the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 583); Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 584); Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2025 (SB. 585); and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025 (SB. 586).
The Senate’s adoption of the harmonised report comes three days after lawmakers hinted at its imminent passage, following a thorough review of some contentious provisions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, James Faleke, who led the House delegation during the harmonization process, announced the development via his official X account on Sunday.
Faleke wrote, “The Conference Committee set up by the House and the Senate on the Tax Reform Bills has successfully concluded its work. The joint committees thoroughly reviewed all sections and addressed the grey areas of the four bills, examining each clause strategically and resolving contentious issues.
“After an intensive deliberation that stretched through Thursday night, all day Friday, and into the early hours of Saturday, I am pleased to report that the bills are now ready for presentation to both the House and the Senate for final passage.
“I would like to especially appreciate the Senate Conference Committee, ably led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Distinguished Senator Sani Musa, as well as all members of the Senate Conference Committee.”
The four bills were referred two weeks ago to the joint harmonisation committee made up of members of both the Senate and House of Representatives, in order to reconcile amendments before forwarding them to the President for assent.
After announcing the passage of the bills by a majority voice vote, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the lawmakers for their commitment to reform, describing the initiative as crucial to modernising Nigeria’s tax system to meet international standards.
“These four executive bills seek to transform and modernise the tax system in Nigeria,” he said.
