Victor Ezeja
As the proposed tax reform continues to generate reactions from different quarters, the Nigerian Senate has suspended further actions on the bills and set up an ad hoc committee that would interface with the federal government and other critical stakeholders to resolve all contentious issues before continuing with legislative action.
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, made this known during plenary on Wednesday. Senator Jibrin, who presided over the session disclosed that the committee will be chaired by the minority leader, Abba Morro.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelMembers of the committee include: Adeola Solomon, chairman, the Senate Committee on Appropriations; Sani Musa, chairman, Senate Committee on Finance; Tokunbo Abiru, chairman, Senate Committee on Banking; Mohamed Tahiri Mongono, representing North-East; Adamu Aleiro, representing North-West; Abdullahi Yahaya, chairman, Committee on National Planning; Oji Uzor Kalu, representing South-East; Seriake Dickson, representing South-South; Titus Zam, representing North-Central; and the entire leadership of the upper legislative chamber.
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According to the deputy Senate president, the executive and the legislative arm have agreed that the committee will have a meeting with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on Thursday to address all issues in the bills that formed the crux of the disagreement and ensure that interests of parties are addressed before any further legislative action.
Prime Business Africa reports that some political and religious leaders from the north have kicked against the bills, claiming that certain provisions are against the interest of the region.
The presidency had repeatedly assured that the bills have provisions that would overhaul tax system in Nigeria to ease burden on businesses and individuals, and ensure efficiency.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
