The controversial four Tax Reform Bills before the Senate were passed for second reading on Thursday after extensive debates by Senators during plenary.
The passage followed the lead debate on the general principles of the Bills, presented by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central). His remarks set the stage for further discussions among Senators.
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Several Senators voiced their support for the Bills. Senators Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), and Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) all expressed their backing for the proposed reforms, emphasizing the need for tax improvements in the country.
However, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) opposed the Bills, raising concerns about the timing of the reforms and the lack of broad consultations with stakeholders.
Despite the opposition, the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, passed the Bills for second reading through a voice vote.
Following the passage, Akpabio instructed the Senate Standing Committee on Finance to organize a public hearing on the Bills, inviting input from relevant stakeholders. The committee was tasked with reporting back to the Senate at plenary within six weeks.
