From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Nigerian Senate has passed two out of the four Tax Reform Bills which are expected to overhaul Nigeria’s tax laws.
The lawmakers approved the bills following the consideration and adoption of the recommendations of the Senate Committee chairman, Senator Sani Musa, during the committee of the whole.
The four key bills are the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill.
But out of the four, only the Bill to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 was approved.
The second approved bill is the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill which is an Act to provide for the assessment, collection of and accounting for revenue accruing to the federation, federal, states and local governments.
“Prescribe the powers and functions of tax authorities and for related matters”.
While presenting the report, Sani said that the bills sought to reform Nigeria’s tax framework, strengthen institutions and enhance accountability and compliance.
Contributing, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, congratulated the entire Senate and in particular, the Committee on Finance and the Elders Committee for the wisdom and leadership that has been shown in the passage of the bills.
Initially, there were in disagreements and rancors here and there but later settled.
In his remarks President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed that the remaining two bills will be considered in plenary on Thursday.
He commended the committee on Finance and senators for a thorough job.
He also expressed gratitude to the group of “elder senators” who collated and deliberated on areas of contention in the Tax Bill through meetings and consultation with dissenting voices.
Akpabio expressed optimism that the tax laws would revolutionalise and optimise tax collection across the country.
He expressed satisfaction that the passage of the bills have dispelled rumours that they were meant to serve the interests of a part of the country, adding that all Nigerians will benefit from them
