South-east senators: We’re not against tax bills – we want wider consultation

The south-east caucus in the senate says it is not against the four tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu asked the national assembly to consider and pass the bills in October, but they have since met stiff opposition from northern governors and some lawmakers.

Consequently, the national economic council (NEC) asked Tinubu to withdraw them for further consultations, but he refused.

The bills are now at the public hearing stage at the upper legislative chamber, having passed second reading.

Speaking with reporters after a caucus meeting in Abuja on Monday, Enyinnaya Abaribe, its leader, said the south-east lawmakers want wider consultation on the bills.

“We need to consult with our constituents across the 15 senatorial districts in the [geo-political] zone… with our state governments and other critical stakeholders,” the senator representing Abia south said.

“We have read through the bills and want to share our knowledge with other stakeholders from the south-east zone for a much more equitable framework in the bills that would eventually be passed.

“We are not against the bills but need to consult with our people.”

In a post on X after the meeting, Orji Uzor Kalu, senator representing Abia north, said it was agreed that there are “extensive consultations with all major stakeholders”.