South-East Senators Endorse Tax Reform Bill

Senators representing the five South-East states have expressed support for the Tax Reform Bill, describing it as a transformative initiative.

Their endorsement came during a South-East Senate Caucus meeting held on Monday, where they also emphasized the need for broad consultations to address concerns raised about the bill.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia North disclosed the development in a statement via his X handle.

“The Tax Reforms Bills were thoroughly deliberated during the South-East Senate Caucus today, which I actively participated in. While it was agreed that the bill should be supported, it was also agreed that extensive consultations with all major stakeholders should take place,” he wrote.

The former governor of Abia State had earlier described the bill as a crucial step toward achieving fiscal federalism in Nigeria. However, he criticized the federal government for failing to adequately involve key bodies such as the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in drafting the bill before its submission to the National Assembly.

Speaking in an interview last week, Senator Kalu reiterated his support for the bill but highlighted the federal government’s oversight in failing to engage these stakeholders earlier in the process. “As I told you before, the bill is very progressive.

It will bring back fiscal federalism. Many senators have not been briefed. I think the federal government made a mistake. The initiators of the bill should have briefed the National Economic Council and the Governors’ Forum,” he stated.

The Tax Reform Bill is viewed as a significant legislative effort aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s tax system and fostering fiscal decentralization. While the South-East senators are largely in favor of the initiative, their call for wider stakeholder engagement underscores the need for a consensus-driven approach in its implementation.

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