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  • Senate didn’t suspend, withdraw Tax Reform Bills, says Bamidele

    Senate didn’t suspend, withdraw Tax Reform Bills, says Bamidele

    The leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti Central), on Thursday denied media reports claiming that the red chamber had suspended or withdrawn from considering or deliberating on the Tax Reform Bills.

    Bamidele who spoke during plenary warned against the pervasive misrepresentation of the intent of the Senate on the tax reform bills.

    He noted that the upper chamber “cannot be bullied into adopting a certain procedure” not consistent with its rules and proceedings.

    Bamidele said the Senate constituted a special committee chaired by the minority leader, Senator Abba Moro on Wednesday, to resolve grey areas on the tax reform initiatives.

    The Senate presided over by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Wednesday, had set up the special committee to engage the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN to resolve the issues surrounding the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.

    Barau had also declared that the Senator Sani Musa-led Senate Committee on Finance should stop its six-week legislative assignment on the fiscal Bills until all grey areas had been sorted out.

    Barau had said: “It’s on this note that the committee on finance that the bills have been referred to, should put on hold further action on it – public hearing and other issues –  until we resolve these issues.

    “All sides will be given the opportunity and we shall resolve the issues before anything is allowed to go.”

    The media, accurately reported that the Senate had suspended further considerations and deliberations on the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.

    Bamidele in his point of order, invoked Order 42 of the Senate Rules as well as Section 60 and 62 (1-4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (amended) to clarify the position of the Senate on the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.

    In his presentation, Bamidele noted that no part of the votes and proceedings of the Senate where it was stated  that further consideration of or deliberation on the Tax Reform Bills, had been suspended or withdrawn.

    He explained that the Federal Executive Council through the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria sponsored the Bills at the two chambers of the National Assembly, saying the Bills were not private member bills.

    Bamidele said: “Whatever we are doing is in accordance with the provision of our constitution. We are the legislative arm of government.

    “We take our instruction and guidance from the 1999 Constitution and not from any other institution or individual no matter how highly placed, not even from the governors or any other person than the 1999 Constitution.

    “What was reported is that the Senate had suspended further consideration of or deliberation on the Tax Reform Bills 2024.

    “The media platform even invited the Nasarawa State Governor, Mr. Abdullah Sule, pointedly telling the governor that the Senate had withdrawn the Bills.

    “The media platform even described Bills as conundrum, which suggested that the Bills were problematic and we do not move from one television to another.

    “The privilege that we have is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is where we do our deliberation. This is where we make the law. This is where we do effective representation of our people.

    “If we have an issue to clarify, this is also the floor that we have rather than issuing press statements.

    “Mr. President, we have just passed our votes and proceedings. It is a reflection of our deliberation of the previous legislative day.

    “Nowhere in our votes and proceedings was it stated that we suspended further deliberation on the Tax Reform Bills 2024. This is because we did not.

    “It is important to place on record that this Senate did not suspend and does not intend to suspend deliberations or consideration of the Tax Reform Bills 2024.

    “It is a misunderstanding of the legislative process for any person to have even reported that we have withdrawn the Bills.

    “The Bills were executive bills transmitted by the Executive Arm of Government through the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “It is only the executive arm that withdraws this bill. It is not a private member bill sponsored by any Senator.

    “So, no Senator is going to withdraw the Bills and there is no reason for these Bills to be withdrawn.

    “In a legislative process, it is normal that some people will have concerns that is why in its wisdom, this Senate is referring this matter to the Senate Committee on Finance.”

    Bamidele also warned that any attempt from any quarter “to intimidate the Parliament will be undemocratic,” saying that the National Assembly and its members would not be distracted from discharging their constitutional duties.

    He further said: “We will encourage consensus, discussion and engagement at all levels. But we cannot be bullied into adopting a certain procedure not consistent with the rules and proceedings of the Senate.

    “As far as we are concerned, the Tax Reform Bills 2024 are still alive in the Senate. The Bills are equally  receiving consideration at various levels. And we are open to further discussion, consideration and engagement on the Bills.”

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his reaction, commended Bamidele for his submission and explained that some sections of the media were misled to report that the Senate had withdrawn the bills.

    Akpabio said: “At the National Assembly, we were all elected to do our work and that is the work of lawmaking in the overall interest of Nigeria.

    “We do not do our work through social media. Neither do we do it through any committee or congregation of the church or any forum of any nature.

    “We do our work according to our conscience in the best interest of Nigeria. The mechanism of lawmaking can be further explained to the public.

    “The moment the bills went through second reading in the Senate, it simply means that the bills are alive. The next procedure is for the Committee on Finance to commence the process of consultations and public hearings.

    “This is with a view to bringing recommendations back to the chamber. In the wisdom of the Senate yesterday (Wednesday), we had, in a closed session, set up a committee to be headed by the Minority Leader (Abba Moro) before the passage of the second reading.

    Read Also: Akpabio to governors: attend public hearing if you have ‘issues’ with Tax Reform Bills

    “We said, in the event that some people are either uneducated on some aspects of the bill or confused or there are grey areas to be sorted out, they should interface with the necessary executive quarters, from the chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service to the Attorney General of the Federation, and if need be, even Mr. President.

    “That committee was an internal mechanism of the Senate, different from the committee on finance.

    “I think that was what was announced yesterday (Wednesday), and we said the committee should immediately move into work.

    “There seems to be some grey areas to be sorted out. I want to thank Senator Abba Moro, the chairman of the committee, because as soon as that announcement was made yesterday, he immediately started consultation.

    “In fact, he held a meeting today (Thursday) that he has set up to enable him to abstract the process so that the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and members of the committee can commence public hearings either next week or as soon as practicable.

    “The bills are alive, they have not been suspended, the actions have not been suspended, the bills have not been withdrawn and the bills have passed second reading in the Senate and further legislative actions are taking place, including the setting up of this adhoc committee,” Akpabio stated.

  • Coastal State Bill passes first reading in Senate

    Coastal State Bill passes first reading in Senate

    Ondo South can’t be part of proposed Ijebu State, says Jimoh Ibrahim

    A Bill seeking the creation of a Coastal State out of the present Ondo State has scaled the first reading at the Senate.

    The Bill, sponsored by Ondo South Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, is seeking a constitutional amendment to allow creation of the proposed Coastal State from Ondo State.

    The Bill passed through the first reading yesterday on the floor of the Senate.

    Ibrahim had sought the creation of the Coastal State to allow for speedy development of the riverine communities in Ondo South Southern Senatorial District.

    Read Also: Issues in Polytechnic teachers strike

    The senator expressed confidence that the Bill would sale through the second and third readings when presented at the next sitting of the Senate.

    He insisted that the proposed Coastal State should be created from the present Ondo State, opposing an alleged plan that the Ondo Southern Senatorial District be part of the proposed Ijebu State.

    Ibrahim said the Ondo Southern Senatorial District should not be a part of the proposed Ijebu State.

  • Food crisis: Senate criminalises exportation of unprocessed maize

    Food crisis: Senate criminalises exportation of unprocessed maize

    • Offenders risk one-year jail term

    The Senate yesterday criminalised the exportation of unprocessed maize in large quantities.

    It prescribed a year jail term for offenders found guilty of the offence.

    The Red Chamber’s action followed its amendment of the Maize Export Prohibition Bill to criminalise such an action during plenary.

    The amendment was a Concurrence Bill from the House of Representatives seeking to prohibit the exportation of maize or its derivatives in large commercial quantities.

    It was passed after majority of the senators supported it through voice vote at the Committee of the Whole, where the clauses were considered and passed.

    The Bill prescribes that: (1) Any person who  (a) takes (b) causes another person to take (c) induces another person to take, or (d) attempts to take, unprocessed maize, whether in grains, on cobs, fresh or dry, in large commercial quantity of a minimum of one metric tonne or higher, out of Nigeria, commits an offence.

    “(2) A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) is liable on conviction to a fine in momentary value of the goods exported or sought to be exported or imprisonment for a term of one year or both.

    “(3) A Customs officer or (any) other person who aids, counsels, procures or conspires with another person to commit an offence under this section is liable on conviction to the penalty under subsection (2); and

    “(4) The Federal High Court has jurisdiction over any offence committed under this Bill.”

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele presented the lead debate on the Bill.

    The Ekiti Central lawmaker said the Bill aims to prohibit the exportation of maize and seeks to address the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Tinubu departs South Africa after Bi-National event

    The Senate Leader noted that the Bill is straightforward and had gone through the necessary legislative processes in the House of Representatives.

    He urged his colleagues to support the bill for passage.

    Garba Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South, proposed an amendment to remove derivatives from the provision of the Bill.

    “We must be fair to our people. We are the farmers; we grow these things,” he said.

    Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central) seconded the amendment.

    Some maize derivatives include corn flour, cornmeal, corn gluten, cornflakes, cornstarch and many others.

    Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, approved the amendment to the provision to accommodate only the exportation of maize.

    Barau said the provision would create more jobs in the country.

    “The derivatives are the products of the value chain because you create jobs by allowing that to occur,” he said.

    With the passage of the Bill erasing derivatives from its provisions, the two chambers of the National Assembly will have to organise a conference committee to harmonise and resolve whether or not to delete “derivatives” from the Bill before transmitting it to the President for assent.

    Barau also said the differences on the Bill would be resolved at the conference committee stage.

  • Senate summons Keyamo, airline operators over incessant flight delays, cancellations

    Senate summons Keyamo, airline operators over incessant flight delays, cancellations

    The Senate on Wednesday summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), airline operators, and other stakeholders in the sector over the recurring cases of flight delays and cancellations in the country.

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration, adoption and approval of a motion moved by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari during plenary.

    Senator Buhari, who represents Oyo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, in his motion titled: “Incessant delayed and cancelled flights by Airline Operators in Nigeria,”  said the incidence of delayed and cancelled flights has become worrisome.

    He said there are series of reports in both the print, electronic and social media, on the incessant delay and cancellation of flights by Airline Operators in Nigeria.

    He said that unwarranted flight delays and cancellations is counterproductive to the socio-economic growth and development of the country.

    In his lead debate, Buhari said: “The Senate notes that this development is worrisome as air travel is one of the most reliable, dependable and quicker means of transportation.

    “Air travels are often undertaken for business/official purposes and to keep to other scheduled appointments, which are usually time bound.

    “Therefore, unwarranted flight delays and cancellations will be counterproductive to the socio-economic growth and development of this country.

    “The Senate further notes that as part of interventionist measures to check unethical and unwholesome practices of the practitioners in the aviation sector, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is statutory empowered, through the enactment of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, to among other things, provide oversight.

    “It also produced  guidelines aimed at ensuring that airlines operate within the contemplation of international standards in Nigeria and to ensure that airline customers get value for the services they pay the airlines for.

    “The Senate observes that the quests for economic diversification and foreign direct investment, which are parts of the current administration’s policy thrust, will remain an illusion if the country’s aviation industry falls short ofbacceptable best practices across the globe.

    “The Senate is aware that Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations of 2023, makes provisions for consumer protection in the Civil Aviation industry in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Tax Reform Bills: Senate meets FG’s delegation Thursday

    “However, enforcement has been an issue as most Nigerians are not even aware that they are entitled to compensation for time lost due to unnecessary delay, hence the need for the NCAA to activate this aspect of its Regulation so that Airline operators will seat up and be alive to their responsibilities.”

    The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; the Minority Leader, Abba Moro; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Anthony Ani, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Senator Victor Umeh and the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, supported the motion.

    The Senate, after debate on the matter, mandated its Committee on Aviation to invite the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to interface with its members.

    Others mandated to appear before the Committee include the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority; Airline Operators of Nigeria and other relevant stakeholders.

    According to the Senate, the essence of the engagement is to among other things, unravel the circumstances behind the incessant flight delays and cancellations with a view to finding lasting solutions to the problem.

  • Senate passes 2025-2027 MTEF/FSP

    Senate passes 2025-2027 MTEF/FSP

    • Red Chamber okays N47.9tr aggregate expenditure for 2025
    • Senate probes NNPCL over alleged N12.08tr withheld revenue

    The Senate yesterday passed the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

    It also approved the expenditure framework with a total spending of N47.9 trillion for 2025 and a new borrowing plan of N9.22 trillion for domestic and foreign borrowings.

    The Red Chamber directed that the National Assembly, through its Committees on Finance, National Planning and other relevant committees, carry out in-depth investigation into Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Joint Venture Agreements (JVAs) “considered inimical to the revenue growth of the country” by the NNPCL, NLNG, and Immigration Services with a view to reconciling remittances to the Federation Account.

    The Senate mandated its Committees on Finance, Petroleum Upstream, and Petroleum Downstream to investigate reports from the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Responsibility Commission alleging that the NNPCL withheld N12.08 trillion, as claimed subsidies for petrol.

    The resolutions of the Senate followed its consideration of the 2025-2027 MTEF/FSP report presented by Chairman of the Senate Joint Committee on Finance, and National Planning and Economic Affairs, Sani Musa, during plenary and co-chaired by Yahaya Abudullahi.

    The MTEF/FSP is a projection of a three-year spending plan of the Federal Government, while the budget is predicated on the approved framework.

    The lawmakers approved the framework with an exchange rate of N1,400 to a dollar and adopted the oil price benchmark of $75, $76.2 and $75.3 per barrel for year 2025, 2026, and 2027.

    The approved framework also contains a daily oil production output of 2.06 million, 2.10 million, and 2.35 million barrels for the three years.

    The Senate also approved N15.38 trillion for Debt Service while pensions, gratuities, and retirees’ benefits would gulp ₦1.443 trillion, and the fiscal deficit at ₦13.08 trillion.

    The Red Chamber approved the projected gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate at 4.6 per cent, 4.4 per cent, and 5.5 per cent for 2025, 2026, and 2027.

    The Senate’s report reads: “Capital expenditure is projected at ₦16.48 trillion, which is exclusive of transfers; statutory transfers stand at ₦4.26 trillion; the sinking fund is projected at ₦430.27 billion, while total recurrent (non-debt) expenditure is projected at ₦14.21 trillion.”

    According to the report, the summary of the revenue and expenditure framework upon which the 2025 Federal Government’s budget will be predicated is as follows:

    Daily Crude Oil Production – 2.06mbpd;  Oil Price Benchmark – $75 per barrel; Exchange Rate – N1,400/USD; GDP Growth Rate – 4.6 per cent; Inflation Rate – 15.75 per cent; FGN Retained Revenue – N34.82 trillion; Proposed FGN Expenditure – N47.9 trillion; Fiscal Deficit – N13.08 trillion; New Borrowings (including local & foreign) – N9.22 trillion; Personnel Costs (MDAs) – N7.174 trillion and Pensions, Gratuities and Retirees Benefits – N1.443 trillion.

    Others are: Capital Expenditure (exclusive of transfers) – N14.48 trillion; Statutory Transfers – N4.26 trillion; Debt Service – N15.38 trillion; Sinking Fund – N430.27 billion; Total Recurrent (Non-Debt) – N14.21 trillion; Special Intervention (Recurrent) – N200 billion and Special Intervention (Capital) – N7 billion.

    The recommendations of the committee, as approved by the Senate, include: “The projected oil benchmark prices are: USD75, USD76.2 and USD75.3 per barrel be for 2025, 2026, and 2027.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Akpabio threatens to remove non-performing chairmen of Senate committees

    “The three-year projections for domestic crude oil production had a significant increase from 1.78 mbpd in the preceding year to 2.06, 2.10 and 2.35 for the subsequent years of 2025, 2026 and 2027 be approved.

    “That the National Assembly, through its Committees on Finance, National Planning and other relevant Committees, should carry out in-depth investigation of such agreements by the NNPC, NLNG and Immigration Services with a view to reconcile remittances to the Federation Account.

    “That the Committees on Finance, Petroleum Upstream, and Petroleum Downstream are tasked to investigate reports from the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Responsibility Commission alleging that the NNPC withheld N8.48 trillion as claimed subsidies for petrol.

    “Additionally, the investigation will address the NEITI report, stating that NNPCL failed to remit $2 billion (N3.6 trillion) in taxes to the Federal Government.

    “The committees are further directed to verify the total cumulative amount of unremitted revenue (under-recovery) from the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the NNPC between 2020 and 2023.

    “The GDP growth rate, which is projected at 4.6 per cent, 4.4 per cent and 5.5 per cent for years 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively, be approved.

    “The projected exchange rate which stands at NGN1400/USD for years 2025, 2026, and 2027 be approved subject however to review in early 2025 according to monetary and fiscal policies.

    “Inflation rates projections which are 15.75 per cent, 14.21 per cent and 10.04 per cent for 2025, 2026, and 2027, be approved.

    “Following the criteria in the overview of the framework for revenues and expenses, the 2025 FGN Budget proposed spending stands at NGN47.9 trillion, of which NGN34.82 trillion was retained; new borrowings stood at NGN9.22 trillion which constitutes both domestic and foreign borrowings; debt service was valued at NGN 15.38 trillion; pensions, gratuities and retirees’ benefits stood at NGN1.443 trillion and fiscal deficit at NGN13.08 trillion.”

    Other recommendations approved by the Senate include: “Capital expenditure is projected at NGN16.48 trillion which is exclusive of transfers; statutory transfers stand at NGN4.26 trillion; Sinking Fund is projected at NGN430.27 billion.

    “The committee approves the respective figures for total recurrent (non-debt) at NGN14.21 trillion; special intervention for recurrent and capital is at NGN200 billion and NGN7 billion.

    “That the National Assembly do approves the Promissory Note Programme and Bond Issuance to settle outstanding claims and liabilities of Federal Government owed to States, high priority judgments as well as liabilities incurred by Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies on behalf of Government.

    “The committee recommends that a quarterly investigative hearing with revenue generating agencies to track their compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and punish those in clear contravention of the Act.

    “That the Committee on Finance review and initiate inquiry into the implementation of the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) Act, specifically focusing on the inspection and monitoring of oil and gas exports by the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure effectiveness, compliance, and oversight mechanisms under the Act, identify gaps or challenges, and enhance revenue for the Government, through transparency, accountability and efficiency of export supervision in line with national economic objectives.

    “That the Committees on Finance and Customs to initiate an investigative inquiry into the operations of the Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC) program, with a focus on the administration of import waivers and their impact on revenue losses by the Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service, as a way of evaluating compliance, identify systemic gaps or irregularities, and recommend measures to enhance transparency, accountability and optimise revenue generation for the nation.

    “Committee recommends that a performance metrics be established for MDAs with poor financial reporting standards and mandate regular independent audits of their accounts to ensure compliance.”

    ·

  • Senate, NUC advocate for more universities in Nigeria

    Senate, NUC advocate for more universities in Nigeria

    • …as stakeholders back  proposed Okigwe University

    The Senate and the National Universities Commission (NUC) on Monday called for the establishment of more universities in Nigeria to address the growing demand for higher education.

    The advocacy came during a public hearing on a bill to establish the Federal University, Okigwe in Imo state, organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND.

    Stakeholders in the education sector, including Senator Muntari Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, the bill’s sponsor Senator Patrick Ndubueze, and the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Mr. Chris Maiyaki, expressed support for the proposed institution.

    Mr. Maiyaki noted that statistics reveal a significant deficit in the number of universities required to meet the educational needs of millions of Nigerians, underscoring the urgency of the initiative.

    “There are 275 Universities both public and Private for over two million prospective students seeking for admission on yearly basis.

    “The implication is that on yearly basis, out of the two million prospective students seeking for University admission, only 500, 000 to 700, 000 are absolved, leaving about 1.3million out of the equation with attendant frustrations.

    “Nigeria definitely needs more Universities, as the 275 existing ones, are just too inadequate for her population of 200million.

    “Indonesia which also has over 200million population like Nigeria, has about 2,000 Universities, not to talk of Russia, Brazil, India with hundreds of thousands of Universities,” Maiyaki said.

    Read Also: Ex-NUC boss, Okebulola hails Nigerian varsities’ performance in world varsity rankings

    He added that the required expansion of regulatory and capacity building for more Universities are already being put in place by NUC.

    Earlier in his remarks , Senator Dandutse said the proposed Federal University , Okigwe, would help to make University Education more accessible to Nigerians in Imo State in particular and across the country in general.

    Senator Ndubueze said the proposed University would give Okigwe town, the required transformation it deserved over the years, being the only colonial Province of the past, that has not been accorded federal presence, let alone, made capital of a State like many others.

  • RHAN commends Senate as Tax Reform Bills scales through second reading

    RHAN commends Senate as Tax Reform Bills scales through second reading

    The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network (RHAN) has hailed the Senate for passing the Tax Reforms Bills for second reading.

    The group said by this action, the Senate has demonstrated its commitment to creating a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria for all citizens.

    According to the RHAN, the passage of the Tax Reform Bills attests to the Senate’s dedication to promoting economic growth, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s tax system.

    The network applauds the Senate for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians and taking bold steps to address the country’s economic challenges.

    In a statement signed by Opialu Fabian Opialu, its Secretary-General, RHAN also urged the House of Representatives to justify the confidence Nigerians have reposed in them by ensuring the timely passage of the Tax Reform Bills.

    The network called on the Representatives to put aside partisan interests and prioritise the interests of Nigerians.

    “We advise the Representatives to put aside partisan interests and prioritise the interests of Nigerians. The Tax Reform Bills have the potential to stimulate economic growth, promote transparency, and ensure fairness in the tax system,” Opialu added.

    “The benefits of the Tax Reform Bills are multifaceted. The bills will provide a comprehensive framework for taxation in Nigeria, enhancing revenue generation and promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in the tax system.

    “The passage of the bills will also stimulate economic growth by promoting a more effective tax regime. We commend President Bola Tinubu for initiating these crucial reforms. His dedication to creating a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria for all citizens is evident in his efforts to promote economic growth and transparency.

    Read Also: Arewa youths laud Senate over passage of Tax Reforms Bill for second reading

    “The President’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s tax system is a testament to his administration’s resolve to address the country’s economic challenges. The Tax Reform Bills are a significant step towards promoting economic growth and development in Nigeria.

    “The bills will provide a framework for taxation that is fair, transparent, and accountable. The bills will also promote economic growth by encouraging investment, creating jobs, and stimulating economic activity.

    “In conclusion, we urge the House of Representatives to expedite the passage of the Tax Reform Bills into law.”

  • Arewa youths laud Senate over passage of Tax Reforms Bill for second reading

    Arewa youths laud Senate over passage of Tax Reforms Bill for second reading

    The Arewa Grassroots Network (AGN) has commended the Senate for passing the Tax Reforms Bills for second reading.

    The group said this landmark achievement demonstrates the Senate’s commitment to promoting economic growth, fairness, and transparency in Nigeria’s tax system.

    In a statement by its President, Danladi Usman, the group commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating these crucial reforms, which it believes will positively impact the nation’s economy.

    Usman noted that the passage of these bills demonstrates the President’s dedication to creating a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria for all citizens.

    The Tax Reforms Bills, comprising the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, aim to provide a comprehensive framework for taxation in Nigeria.

    These bills will enhance revenue generation and promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in the tax system.

    The Arewa Grassroots Network expressed delight that these reforms will particularly benefit poor northern states which have been historically disadvantaged in the country’s tax revenue allocation.

    “The new tax regime will ensure that our states receive a fair share of the tax revenue, enabling them to fund critical development projects and improve the lives of their citizens,” Usman added. 

    “For too long, the northern states have been marginalized in the allocation of tax revenue, leading to a lack of investment in critical infrastructure and social services.

    “The passage of these bills marks a significant turning point in the history of Nigeria, as it signals a commitment to addressing the economic imbalances that have hindered the growth and development of the northern region.

    “We urge the Senate to expedite the passage of these bills into law, ensuring that Nigeria’s tax system is modernized and aligned with international best practices.

    “We also call on the National Assembly to work closely with stakeholders, including state governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to ensure a smooth implementation of the tax reforms.

    “Once again, we commend the Nigerian Senate for taking this bold step towards reforming the country’s tax system. We look forward to the successful passage of these bills into law and the positive impact they will have on Nigeria’s economy and citizens.”

  • Senate pays tribute to ex-Senate president Wayas at valedictory session

    Senate pays tribute to ex-Senate president Wayas at valedictory session

    The Senate on Thursday, November 28, paid glowing tributes to celebrate the lives and times of its former president, the late Dr. Joseph Wayas.

    Senators spoke of his sterling qualities and unblemished national service during a valedictory session in his honour organised by the Senate.

    Read Also: Senate Committee offers support to APM Terminals to facilitate trade

    As early as 11 am, the remains of late Wayas were laid in state inside the Foyer of the National Assembly adorned with the National Flag.

    Details shortly…

  • Senate Committee offers support to APM Terminals to facilitate trade

    Senate Committee offers support to APM Terminals to facilitate trade

    The Senate Committee on Privatisation has offered its support to APM Terminals Apapa in tackling obstacles hindering efficient trade facilitation at the nation’s seaport.

    The committee, led by Senator Aminu Tambuwal, made this known when they visited the terminal to carry out their oversight functions in Lagos.

    Speaking at the forum, Tambuwal said: “APM Terminals has made impactful contributions to port modernisation and investment in Nigeria. We encourage you to continue enhancing your services while we, in turn, promise to support you in tackling obstacles hindering trade, such as the numerous government agencies involved in inspecting cargo at the port.”

    Also, a member of the committee, Senator Sunday Katung, commended APM Terminals for consistently paying its taxes and other dues into the coffers of the federal government.

    “I saw your financials and I am very impressed. It is impressive and I would want more improvement, which is predicated on some of the things we have mentioned here,” Katung said.

    The lawmakers were accompanied on the visit by officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

    Highlighting the transformative impact of the Federal Government’s 2006 port concession programme, which allowed private terminal operators to take over cargo handling operations at the port, the APM Terminals Manager, Apapa, Steen Knudsen said: “Since the concession programme, we have witnessed a significant transformation of the port, including increased efficiency, better equipment, and faster vessel turnaround times. This public-private partnership model has been a game-changer for Nigeria’s port system and the Nigerian economy.” 

    He also disclosed the terminal’s intention to invest in a comprehensive upgrade of the infrastructure at the port.

    The General Manager, Legal and Corporate Affairs of APM Terminals Nigeria, Chinenye Mirian Deinde, highlighted the company’s recent efforts to enhance the terminal’s capacity and support Nigeria’s economic diversification.

    Read Also: APM Terminals Apapa sees 25% non-oil exports

    She noted that APM Terminals Apapa recently expanded its yard capacity to accommodate the growing volume of export cargo, particularly non-oil exports. 


    “Since we commenced operations in 2006, APM Terminals has made substantial investments in infrastructure, container handling equipment, IT systems, manpower training, and capacity development,” Deinde said. “These investments have resulted in significant improvements in port productivity, including zero waiting time for vessels and a doubling of container volumes. We are committed to supporting the growth of Nigeria’s economy through strategic investments and efficient service delivery,” she said.

    APM Terminals Apapa is the largest container terminal in Nigeria and a key player in the country’s maritime industry. Located in the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, it serves as a critical gateway for international trade and plays a pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s economic growth with its intermodal connectivity options.