The South-East Caucus in the Senate on Monday called for broader consultations on the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.
The caucus announced its position after a closed-door meeting of senators from the five South-East states, held in the office of their leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South).
Abaribe stressed that the caucus was not against does the proposed tax reforms, he however said the group believes more extensive engagement with stakeholders is necessary before the bills are fully considered by both chambers.
He said, “As senators from the South-East, we are not against the Tax Reform Bills. However, we insist on wider consultations with our constituents across the 15 senatorial districts, state governments, and other critical stakeholders in our zone.
“We have reviewed the bills and feel it is essential to share our insights with stakeholders in the South-East to ensure the final framework reflects equity and addresses regional concerns. Consultation is vital for inclusiveness and effective legislation.”
The Tax Reform Bills under discussion include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024.
These bills have sparked significant debate since their submission by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024.
