Senators representing States from the South-South geo-political zone, have declared support for the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
The lawmakers, under the aegis of the South-South Senators’ Forum, also called on Governors from the region to support the bills.
A statement issued in Abuja by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), quoted the lawmakers as having declared their support after a comprehensive evaluation of the bills.
They submitted that the bills not only serve national interests, but align with the interests of the South-South region.
According to them, the proposed tax reforms will boost national revenue and foster economic stability.
The Senators, representing Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States, also passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, praising his leadership in advancing the Senate’s constitutional mandate.
They urged stakeholders to avoid introducing regional, ethnic, or tribal sentiments into the national dialogue, advocating for robust interactions and consultations in the legislative process.
The communiqué was signed by 15 other Senators, including:
Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) – Secretary of the Forum
Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South East)
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North)
Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South)
Senator Munir Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North)
Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (APC, Delta South)
Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom South)
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South)
Senator Allwell Onyeso (PDP, Rivers East)
Senator Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers West)
Senator Benson Agadaga (PDP, Bayelsa East)
Senator Konbowei Benson (PDP, Bayelsa Central)
Senator Eteng Jonah Williams (APC, Cross River Central)
Senator Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom South)
Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central)
The Senators reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a legislative agenda that ensures the peace, prosperity, and progress of the nation while addressing the unique needs of the South-South region.
Henzodaily reports that the bills presented to the National Assembly by President Tinubu include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 -SB.583; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024- SB.584; and the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024- SB. 585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.
The bills have already scaled second reading at the Senate.