Senators from Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone have voiced their strong support for the Tax Reform Bills presented by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly, emphasizing the importance of these reforms in enhancing national revenue and economic stability.
The four key tax reform bills — the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB.583), the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB.584), the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 (SB.585), and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 (SB.586) — passed their second reading in the Senate on Thursday and were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Sani Musa, for further deliberations and public hearings.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Chairman of the South-South Senators’ Forum, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), assured that the lawmakers are committed to thoroughly reviewing the bills to ensure they benefit the national interest, particularly the South-South region. The Forum also called on South-South governors to collaborate with lawmakers in refining the legislation for mutual advantage.
The Senators, representing states such as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers, expressed confidence in the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, commending his role in advancing the Senate’s constitutional duties.
Additionally, the Forum urged stakeholders to avoid regional, ethnic, or tribal biases in discussions surrounding the bills, calling for constructive dialogue and consultations throughout the legislative process.
The communiqué was signed by 15 Senators, including key members such as Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North), Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South), among others.
The South-South Senators reaffirmed their commitment to a legislative agenda that promotes the peace, prosperity, and development of the nation while addressing the specific needs of the South-South region.
