South East Senators Call for Wider Stakeholder Input on Tax Reform Bills

By Iyojo Ameh

The South East Caucus of the Nigerian Senate has called for broader consultations on the Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration in the National Assembly. The caucus, consisting of Senators from the five South East states, made their position known during a meeting held on Monday in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), the caucus leader, stated that while the South East Senators support the need for tax reform, it is essential that the proposed bills undergo wider consultations to ensure inclusivity and fairness.

“As much as we are not against the Tax Reform Bills, we believe wider consultations with stakeholders across the country, especially within the South East Zone, are critical to ensuring equity,” Abaribe said.

The proposed bills, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024, were submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on October 3, 2024. They aim to restructure Nigeria’s tax system to boost revenue generation and improve governance.

The South East Caucus plans to engage with constituents, state governments, and other stakeholders from the region’s 15 senatorial districts to collect feedback on the proposed reforms.

“We have studied the bills thoroughly and feel the need to deliberate with our people. This will allow us to advocate for a balanced framework that reflects the aspirations of the South East and other regions,” Abaribe added.

The caucus’s stance aligns with similar calls for consultations