‘For economic stability’ — south-south senators endorse tax reforms bills

Members of the senate from the south-south geopolitical zone have endorsed the tax reform bills.

In a communiqué released on Thursday at the end of a meeting in Abuja, the legislators said the bills will foster economic stability and development.

The south-south senators called on their colleagues from the north who are opposing the bills to shun sentiments and study the intendment of the proposed legislation.

“Recognising the importance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and fostering economic stability, we resolved to support the tax reform bills,” the communique reads.

“This support will be anchored on a comprehensive study and thorough evaluation of the content of the bills to ensure they align with the overall interest of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the south-south region.

“The caucus calls for restraint on the part of those bent on introducing sentiments, whether regional, ethnic, or tribal, to a national dialogue and looks forward to robust interactions and consultations as already commenced by the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We remain committed to working collaboratively with our colleagues across the senate and all stakeholders in fostering a legislative agenda that guarantees the peace, prosperity, and progress of our beloved nation.”

The lawmakers also passed a confidence vote on Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

“The south-south senators unanimously agreed and passed a vote of confidence in the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the lawmakers said.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to standing by him and supporting his leadership in steering the senate towards its constitutional mandate of making laws that serve the best interests of the nation and its citizens.

“We pledge our full support to the Senate President and the leadership of the national assembly in their efforts to ensure the effective and timely passage of legislation aimed at promoting good governance, national unity, and economic development.”

Lawmakers who signed the communique are Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa west), Jarigbe Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River north), Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers south-east), Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo north), Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo south), Munir Nwoko (PDP, Delta north), Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (APC, Delta south), and Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom south).

Others are Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River south), Allwell Onyeso (PDP, Rivers east), Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers west), Benson Agadaga (PDP, Bayelsa east), Konbowei Benson (PDP, Bayelsa central), Eteng Williams (APC, Cross River central), Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom south), and Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta central).

THE TAX BILLS

On October 3, President Bola Tinubu asked the national assembly to consider and pass four tax reform bills.

The bills—the Nigeria tax bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill—have become a subject of controversy.

On October 28, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) opposed the bills, arguing that the proposed legislations would harm the region’s interests.

The governors asked the national assembly to reject the bills, demanding equitable and fair implementation of national policies and programmes across all regions.

The national economic council (NEC) also asked Tinubu to withdraw the bills to give room for consultations.

On November 1, Tinubu said the bills would not be withdrawn from the national assembly, noting that the proposed laws were designed to improve the lives of Nigerians and optimise existing tax frameworks.

The bills passed the second reading at the senate last week.