By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
The Senate passed the remaining tax reform bills yesterday after completing the clause-by-clause consideration of the legislation, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill and the Nigeria Tax Bill at the Committee of Whole.
This development came barely 24 hours after the upper chamber passed two tax reform legislations, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2025 and the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2025.
The Red Chamber expunged contentious areas in the two legislations and set up a conference committee to reconcile the differences between the Senate version and the one already passed by the House of Representatives.
The Senate President commended the lawmakers for their sacrifice in ensuring that Nigeria’s tax system meets international standards.
He said, “These four executive bills seek to transform and modernise the tax system in Nigeria.”
Addressing journalists after the plenary, Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, explained that his panel did its best to ensure Nigeria’s taxation system meets international standards.
He said, “What we did was to look at the tax bills and do what was necessary. President Tinubu introduced the tax reform bills to see how his government could bring economic development.
“We underwent a public hearing and had a retreat with 76 organisations present. Religious leaders and other relevant stakeholders were also in attendance. We also agreed that the Nigerian Revenue Service will need at least six directors.”
Musa said the senators recommended that the President appoint a chairman and create an ombudsperson to arbitrate and adjudicate tax-related matters.
He harped on the need for establishing a tax tribunal, which he said cannot be overemphasised.
“It is not à court of record. We have looked at the issues of VAT, collection of taxes, development levy, and inheritance tax, which have been expunged.
“Nigerians will see something nice from this. We also commend the President for giving a level playing field to all,” he said.
He said the conference committee would reconcile the amendments carried out by both chambers of the National Assembly,
The conference committee members are Senators Abba Moro, Abdulaziz Yari, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Yahaya Abdullahi, Sani Musa, Adetokubo Abiru, Joel-Thomas Onowakpo, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Jim Kuta, Gbenga Daniel, Osita Izunaso, Solomon Adeola, Adams Oshiomhole, Babangida Uba, Mohammed Monguno.
