South-East Senate Caucus Refuses To Endorse Tinubu’s Tax Bills

The South-East Caucus in the Nigerian Senate has failed to endorse the controversial tax bill of President Bola  Tinubu which is currently before the National Assembly.

The Senate caucus joined called for wider consultations before the passage of the bill, insisting that there are needs for constituents, stakeholders to be consulted.

The senators revealed their stance on Monday following a closed-door meeting of senators from the five South-East states, held in the office of their leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South).

Abaribe who spoke on behalf of the caucus stated that the caucus does not oppose the proposed tax reforms.

It was stated that the caucus, however, believed that more extensive engagement with stakeholders was necessary.

He noted that this would be important before the bills are fully considered by both chambers.

He said, “As senators from the South-East, we are not against the Tax Reform Bills. However, we insist on wider consultations with our constituents across the 15 senatorial districts, state governments, and other critical stakeholders in our zone.”

“We have reviewed the bills and feel it is essential to share our insights with stakeholders in the South-East to ensure the final framework reflects equity and addresses regional concerns. Consultation is vital for inclusiveness and effective legislation.”

Abaribe stated that the Senators would need to consult their constituents across the fifteen senatorial districts in the zone.

“Specifically, we need to consult with our constituents across the 15 senatorial districts in the zone, with our state governments, and with other critical stakeholders,” he added.

There have been controversies around the bill with calls for review of the provisions of the bill.

The proposed sharing formular of Value Added Tax in the tax bill has been at the center of more controversies with Northern governors rejecting the plan while insisting that such plan will be at disadvantage of the region.