Senate Stops Sessions Until Nov 19 as Pushback Mounts from Stakeholders

In an unexpected turn of events, the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives have adjourned their plenary sessions until November 19, 2024, amidst rising tensions over proposed tax reform bills presented by President Bola Tinubu.

The adjournment follows significant backlash from various stakeholders, including state governors and senators, raising concerns about the economic impact of the reforms.

Initially scheduled for a first reading on Wednesday, the tax reform bills were omitted from the Senate’s agenda after a shift in focus to the confirmation of seven new ministerial nominees.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for an unscheduled closed-door session on Thursday, which lasted two hours and reportedly addressed “urgent national importance” regarding the controversial tax proposals.

Following the closed session, the Senate reviewed a report from its committee on agricultural institutions but deferred further agenda items.

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Akpabio then announced the adjournment, directing senators to concentrate on oversight and committee duties until the resumption.

The decision has drawn criticism from prominent senators like Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) and Dandutse Muntari (APC, Katsina South), who have expressed concerns about the timing of the proposed reforms given the current economic strain on citizens.

During a recent Senate Finance Committee meeting, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman Zacch Adedeji attempted to reassure lawmakers that the reforms would not result in additional tax burdens, yet skepticism remains high.