SOUTH-SOUTH SENATORS THROW WEIGHT BEHIND TAX REFORM BILLS

Senators from the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria have expressed their support for the Tax Reform Bills presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. The bills, which include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024, and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, aim to reform the country’s tax system.

IN A STATEMENT

The South-South Senators, in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), highlighted their commitment to conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the bills to ensure they align with national interests, particularly the well-being of the South-South region.

“We, the South-South Senators, are committed to supporting the Tax Reform Bills, which we believe will promote economic growth, increase revenue generation, and improve the overall well-being of our people,” the statement read.

CALL FOR COLLABORATION

The Senators also called on South-South governors to work collaboratively with lawmakers to refine the bills for mutual benefit. “We urge our governors to work with us to ensure that the Tax Reform Bills are tailored to meet the specific needs of our region,” the statement added.

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN SENATE PRESIDENT

The Senators passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, praising his leadership in advancing the Senate’s constitutional mandate. “We commend the Senate President for his tireless efforts in promoting the interests of the South-South region and the country at large,” the statement read.

REACTIONS FROM STAKEHOLDERS

The development has sparked a heated debate among Nigerians, with some expressing support for the Tax Reform Bills and others criticizing the move. While some argue that the bills will promote economic growth and increase revenue generation, others claim that they will lead to increased taxation and economic hardship.

“We support the Tax Reform Bills because they will help to increase revenue generation and promote economic growth,” said Mr. Emmanuel Ibe, a businessman from Port Harcourt.

“I don’t think the Tax Reform Bills are a good idea,” said Mrs. Nneoma Okoro, a trader from Lagos. “They will only lead to increased taxation and economic hardship for Nigerians.”

CONCLUSION

The support of the South-South Senators for the Tax Reform Bills is a significant development in the country’s quest for economic growth and development. While the debate over the bills continues, one thing is clear: the National Assembly has a critical role to play in shaping the country’s economic future.