The 10th Senate has suspended further action and public hearings on the controversial Tax Reform Bills, in order to allow for *broader discussions*.
Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over yesterday’s plenary, announced the decision, and explained that the Senate, as the highest legislative body in Nigeria, was committed to resolving issues surrounding the bills through collaboration and dialogue.
Barau highlighted that the 10th Senate, like similar bodies globally, has always acted as a stabilising force in times of national disagreement.
He emphasised that all efforts would be made to set aside politics, ethnicity, and regionalism to focus on national unity and progress.
Barau said the Senate, in collaboration with the Executive, agreed to establish a forum aimed at identifying and resolving contentious issues related to the tax reform proposals, adding that this decision was made in recognition of the pressing economic and security challenges facing the nation.
To address the matter comprehensively, he explained that the Senate and the Executive had decided to involve the Judiciary, saying that discussions with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) would focus on resolving any disagreements.
In light of these developments, Barau said the Senate Committee on Finance had been instructed to pause all further actions, including public hearings, on the tax reform bills until a resolution is reached.
He added that the Senate leadership, along with committee members, would meet with the Attorney General to address the remaining concerns.
