The Nigerian Senate has approved the final two out of four tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu, following a detailed review and removal of contentious clauses. The bills, passed during Thursday’s plenary session, are the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill and the Nigeria Tax Bill.
This legislative milestone comes just a day after the Senate cleared the first two bills the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill completing the package of reforms intended to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaking after the bills passed by majority voice vote, praised the lawmakers for working toward aligning Nigeria’s tax policies with global best practices. “These four executive bills are designed to modernise and transform our tax framework,” Akpabio said, as reported by PUNCH.
Senator Sani Musa, who chairs the ad hoc committee on the tax reforms, addressed journalists after the session. Representing Niger East Senatorial District, Musa highlighted the committee’s efforts to engage stakeholders through public hearings and consultations. “We held a retreat with representatives from 76 organizations, including religious leaders and key players in the economy,” he noted.
He explained that the legislation focuses on simplifying tax processes and creating a fair system to boost national development. Among the key recommendations were the appointment of a chairman for the Nigerian Revenue Service and the establishment of an ombudsman to oversee tax-related disputes.
Musa emphasized the need for a dedicated tax tribunal to handle such matters, stating, “Though not a court of record, its role in resolving tax issues is crucial.” He also confirmed that some proposals like a development levy and inheritance tax were removed after public feedback.
