Senators from the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria have thrown their weight behind the four Tax Reform Bills presented by President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the significance of these bills in strengthening the nation’s revenue base and promoting economic stability.
The bills, which include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, and the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, passed their second reading in the Senate on Thursday and were subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for further consideration.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), who chairs the South-South Senators’ Forum, reiterated the forum’s commitment to evaluating the bills in a manner that aligns with the national interest while considering the unique needs of the South-South region. He also encouraged South-South governors to collaborate with lawmakers to ensure the successful refinement and implementation of these reforms for mutual benefit.
“Tax reforms are crucial in boosting national revenue and ensuring economic stability,” Senator Dickson stated. “We are committed to a thorough evaluation of the bills to ensure they serve the best interests of our region and the nation as a whole.”
The senators also pledged to prevent any regional or ethnic bias from influencing the legislative process, calling for open dialogue and consultations. In addition, they passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his leadership in advancing the Senate’s constitutional duties.
The communiqué was co-signed by 15 other senators, including prominent figures such as Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North), Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South). Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to fostering legislation that ensures the peace, prosperity, and progress of Nigeria while prioritizing the development of the South-South region.
