Northern senators have called for the suspension of legislative proceedings on the controversial Tax Reform Bills, which recently passed their second reading in the Senate.
At a meeting on Monday, the senators expressed concerns about the potential negative effects of the proposed reforms on northern states. Their stance aligns with the recent decision by the House of Representatives to halt deliberations on the bills following public backlash and opposition from northern lawmakers.
The Tax Reform Bills, introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have stirred nationwide debate. Critics, including northern governors, traditional rulers, and lawmakers, have urged the president to withdraw the proposals for broader consultations. However, President Tinubu insists on allowing the legislative process to continue.
Senator Buba Umaru Shehu (APC, Bauchi), speaking to BBC Hausa, disclosed that northern senators across party lines unanimously agreed on the need to suspend further discussions on the bills.
“These bills are complex and require thorough review by tax policy experts,” he said, criticizing the perceived haste in their advancement. He specifically pointed out concerns over the proposed changes to the Value Added Tax (VAT) derivation formula, which he argued would unfairly disadvantage northern states.
Similarly, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno) confirmed the decision in an interview with Daily Trust. He revealed that northern senators had consulted with governors, traditional rulers, and other regional leaders, all of whom advised withdrawing the bills for wider consultations.
Ndume emphasized that some provisions in the bills conflict with the Nigerian Constitution and could face legal challenges if passed without careful review.
Ndume cited previous examples, such as the withdrawal of the Water Resources Bill and the multiple revisions of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), to advocate for a more deliberate approach to tax reforms.
“Why the rush? This is something that should involve all stakeholders for it to succeed,” he stated, dismissing claims that the opposition to the bills was politically motivated.
In the House of Representatives, deliberations on the tax bills were also suspended. Rep. Muhammad Bello Shehu Fagge attributed the decision to strong public disapproval and opposition from religious leaders.
During a session on Tuesday, tensions flared when the House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi (APC, Ekiti), expressed support for the reforms. His remarks were met with loud objections, leading Speaker Abbas Tajudeen to intervene and withdraw the statement on Rotimi’s behalf.
The session remained chaotic, forcing Rotimi to step down from presenting his report. To restore order, the House transitioned into a Committee of the Whole for further deliberations.
The Tax Reform Bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, led by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger), for further review. The committee plans to hold public hearings to gather input from experts and stakeholders.
As opposition mounts, northern lawmakers have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the reforms are inclusive, constitutional, and beneficial to all regions of the country.
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