The Senate has formed a committee to address ongoing controversies surrounding the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly. Chaired by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), the committee will engage with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to resolve the contentious issues before the bills proceed to a public hearing.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin made the announcement during plenary on Wednesday, emphasizing that the executive arm of government shares the Senate’s commitment to resolving the disagreements in order to maintain national unity and address critical economic challenges. “We decided to put politics, ethnicity, and regionalism aside to find a way forward on the tax reform bills. It was agreed with the executive arm that a forum should be created to address areas causing disagreements,” Barau stated.

He highlighted pressing national concerns, including insecurity and economic challenges, urging that the tax reform issues not add to the nation’s existing difficulties.

The Senate has instructed its Committee on Finance to suspend public hearings and other actions related to the bills until the disputes are resolved through discussions with the Attorney General.

Introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 3, 2024, the Tax Reform Bills aim to harmonize and coordinate Nigeria’s revenue administration system. However, they have faced strong opposition, particularly from the northern region. Despite recommendations from the National Economic Council to withdraw the bills for further consultation, President Tinubu has insisted they follow the legislative process. Last week, the Senate advanced the bills to the second reading through voice votes.

This committee’s intervention is aimed at fostering consensus on the reforms while addressing the nation’s broader economic concerns.