*Beneficiaries of Reforms Are Opposing Them, Says Oyedele By Ammar Muhammad Rajab The Senate has categorically denied reports suggesting it ...
*Beneficiaries of Reforms Are Opposing Them, Says Oyedele
By Ammar Muhammad Rajab
The Senate has categorically denied reports suggesting it suspended deliberations on the Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified the situation during Thursday's plenary session, invoking Senate Order 42 to address the matter.
Mr. Bamidele refuted claims published by a media outlet alleging that the Senate had paused discussions on the Tax Reform Bills. “Nowhere in our votes and proceedings was it stated that deliberations on the bills were suspended because they were not," he stated.
He explained that the Tax Reform Bills, being executive bills transmitted by the presidency, could not be withdrawn or suspended by any senator. “These are not private member bills. Only the Executive Arm of Government has the authority to withdraw them," he emphasized. Bamidele attributed the confusion to a misunderstanding of the legislative process, reassuring the public that the Senate remains committed to advancing the bills.
The Senate Leader noted that the matter had been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, which was granted six weeks to report back after addressing any concerns raised by stakeholders. “Consensus-building and consultations are critical in a legislative process. The public must remain patient and understand our constitutional role,” he urged.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of due legislative process. He explained that the bills remain active after their second reading and are now subject to further scrutiny and public hearings by the Finance Committee. Additionally, an internal Senate committee, led by the Minority Leader, has been set up to complement these efforts.
“Our work as legislators is not conducted via social media or any informal platforms. It is done in the chamber, guided by our conscience and in the best interest of Nigerians,” Akpabio asserted.
In a related development, Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, expressed surprise at resistance to the proposed bills. Speaking on Arise TV, Oyedele revealed that most pushback has come from states that stand to benefit from the reforms. “We thought opposition would come from Lagos and Rivers, but instead, the states we are trying to support are pushing back,” he said.
Oyedele acknowledged that while extensive consultations were held with stakeholders, including state finance commissioners and internal revenue boards, unanimous participation was challenging. Despite the resistance, he reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to fostering equity in Nigeria's tax system.
The Tax Reform Bills aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax framework, enhance revenue generation, and address regional disparities. Both the Senate and the Presidential Committee have called for patience and constructive engagement to achieve these objectives.
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