Senators from the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria have declared their support for the Tax Reform Bills presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
The lawmakers, under the aegis of the South-South Senators’ Forum, emphasised the importance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and promoting economic stability.
The bills in question are 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.
The four tax reform bills passed their second reading in the Senate on Thursday and were subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Sani Musa from Niger East, for further legislative review, including a public hearing.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), the lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to conducting a thorough evaluation of the bills to ensure they align with national interests, particularly safeguarding the well-being of the South-South region.
They also called upon South-South governors to collaborate with lawmakers to refine the bills for mutual benefit.
The Senators, representing Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States, expressed confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, commending his leadership in fulfilling the Senate’s constitutional responsibilities.
The Forum urged stakeholders to eschew regional, ethnic, or tribal sentiments in the national discourse, advocating for constructive interactions and consultations during the legislative process.
The communiqué was signed by 15 other Senators, including:
- Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) – Secretary of the Forum
- Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South East)
- Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North)
- Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South)
- Senator Munir Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North)
- Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (APC, Delta South)
- Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom South)
- Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South)
- Senator Allwell Onyeso (PDP, Rivers East)
- Senator Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers West)
- Senator Benson Agadaga (PDP, Bayelsa East)
- Senator Konbowei Benson (PDP, Bayelsa Central)
- Senator Eteng Jonah Williams (APC, Cross River Central)
- Senator Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom South)
- Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central)
The Senators reaffirmed their dedication to pursuing a legislative agenda that fosters peace, prosperity, and progress for the nation while addressing the unique needs of the South-South region.