Senators squared at each other over tax reforms as a bill for Abuja development scales second reading in today’s plenary
‘Nothing to show for 60 taxes, levies collected’
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has criticised the federal government for having little to show despite collecting over 60 taxes and levies across the country.
Oyedele made this statement while addressing senators during Wednesday’s plenary on President Bola Tinubu’s controversial tax reform bills.
Government officials, including Oyedele, reassured lawmakers that the proposed reforms aim to simplify tax administration, reduce burdens on low-income earners, vulnerable groups, and small businesses, and ensure a fair distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) across the tiers of government.
The delegation also included Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Taminu Yakubu, Director General of the Budget Office.
Addressing the Senate, Oyedele stressed the need for urgent reforms, highlighting that businesses in Nigeria often pay taxes even when operating at a loss.
FCT development bill scales second reading
The senate has passed for second reading the Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Development Commission bill seeking to establish a specialised commission tasked with managing the development of satellite towns within a 60-kilometer radius of the FCT’s borders.
Sponsor of the bill, Sen. Ahmed Wadada (APC, Nasarawa West) highlighted the significant challenges posed by the rapid growth of Abuja as Nigeria’s political and economic center on surrounding towns.
He explained that the bill outlines a governance structure for the commission, which will include administrative units and local offices for effective management. Funding for the commission will be sourced on a first-line charge basis, in compliance with applicable laws.
The bill received polarized reactions during the debate, with some senators expressing concerns over funding and the potential duplication of efforts with existing agencies. The bill will proceed to the committee stage for further scrutiny and amendments.
“You will use your gavel, I will use my voice”
The Senate’s Wednesday plenary escalated into a heated argument and shouting match as the controversial tax reform bill was introduced for debate, despite its absence from the order paper.
The disagreement began when Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele raised Order 12(1), suspending Senate Rules to permit two tax experts, the DG Budget office, Tanimu Yakubu and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji to clarify the Tax Reform Bill.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, supported Opeyemi’s motion. It was subsequently approved that they be escorted into the chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms.
However, this decision drew strong opposition from Senator Ali Ndume, who cited Senate Rules that prohibit visitors from addressing the chamber on issues not listed on the order paper. Ndume argued that the Tax Reform Bill was too critical to be handled casually and stressed the importance of adhering to legislative procedures to protect Nigerians’ interests.
BILLS CHART FOR THE DAY
Below is OrderPaper’s signature presentation of bills taken in the Senate plenary today. Readers are invited to contact us for further information via info@orderpaper.ng or WhatsApp via +234 704 700 3031.
