The Nigerian Senate has temporarily suspended action on the Tax Reform Bills, following public outcry and concerns raised by various stakeholders.

The Senate has instructed its Committee on Finance to pause the public hearing on the bills until further consultation and clarification on contentious issues.

The bills under consideration include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill, which have sparked significant controversy since their introduction.

Northern Governors have strongly opposed the bills, calling them anti-democratic and expressing concerns about their impact on regional interests. Following these objections, the National Economic Council has requested the withdrawal of the bills for further discussions.

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During a plenary session on Wednesday, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau informed lawmakers of the suspension and disclosed the formation of a special committee. This committee will engage with the executive to address public concerns and ensure broader consensus.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that the National Economic Council had recommended the withdrawal of the bills for deeper consultations.

Several governors and lawmakers, particularly from northern Nigeria, have expressed concerns over the proposed tax measures, including the distribution of VAT, which they argue disproportionately favors Lagos and Rivers States.

The Senate invited the President’s economic team to clarify the details of the reforms. However, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum criticized the rushed nature of the process and called for more thorough consultations.

Senator Shehu Buba of Bauchi South also voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the complexity of the bills and the need for expert review. These concerns have led to a broader push for more time to evaluate the reforms.

As the controversy continues, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Justice to collaborate with the National Assembly to address any unresolved issues. The Senate is set to meet with the Attorney-General of the Federation to discuss solutions.

Barau assured the public that the Senate would prioritize unity, dialogue, and consensus-building in resolving the matters surrounding the Tax Reform Bills. The collaborative efforts are expected to provide a more balanced and comprehensive approach to the reforms before they are passed into law.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Credible News.ng