Reps in rowdy session over tax reform bills

The House of Representatives yesterday witnessed a chaotic session as lawmakers across party lines resisted the planned second reading of the tax reform bills.

Daily Trust reliably learnt that lawmakers, particularly those of northern extraction from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties vehemently objected to strenuous efforts by the leadership of the House to get the pieces of legislation advance to the next level of parliamentary progress.

Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, presided over a closed-door meeting to deliberate on the four reform bills, which have faced stiff opposition.

The executive session, which commenced at around 11:00 a.m., lasted nearly two hours but ended without any consensus.

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A lawmaker present at the meeting described the atmosphere as “heated,” with the majority rejecting what he termed the leadership’s attempt to push the bills forward.

Speaking anonymously, the lawmaker told Daily Trust: “It was a charged atmosphere. Members were very angry about the plan. There was noise everywhere”.

He added that as tensions escalated, the meeting was briefly adjourned to cool tempers. Upon resumption, however, dissenting members remained defiant, refusing to support any move to pass the bills.

Another source revealed that the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, who was absent, might have advised that the matter be postponed for further discussions to allow for broader consultations. Consequently, it was announced that Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, would be invited on Tuesday, 3rd December 2024, to clarify contentious aspects of the bills.

“What happened today was surprising to the leadership because it was a rebellion. Members are not taking this lightly, and it may be worse when Taiwo Oyedele comes on Tuesday,” the source added.

The sources said many lawmakers accused the leadership of failing to address critical flaws in the bills.

One legislator recounted the heated exchanges during the meeting, saying, “The leadership wasn’t even allowed to push their agenda. It was a rowdy, uncontrolled session, almost throughout. We resolved to demand further consultations to address the controversial clauses before any consideration.”

Another lawmaker, Zubairu Bashir Usman, representing Birnin Gwari/Giwa Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, stressed the need for careful scrutiny of the bills, especially their socio-economic implications.

“There is a lacuna in these bills that must be addressed. I’m not an accountant or economist, so I need to study them properly to understand their impact on my constituents,” Usman said.

He also highlighted concerns raised during the meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum, where traditional rulers and other regional leaders expressed opposition to the bills.

“They said they were not interested in this bill, but the president still insisted that it should return to the National Assembly. Members are tired because due process has not been followed,” he said.

Usman warned that without proper amendments, the bills would likely be rejected.

House leadership calls for further consultations

After the tumultuous session, Deputy Speaker Kalu urged lawmakers to consult their constituents over the weekend and pledged to continue discussions on Tuesday.

“Consultations will continue on the tax reform bills. Resource persons from the tax reform team will brief the House at a special session,” Kalu stated.

He added that the closed-door meeting allowed for “robust discussions” and encouraged members to prioritise their constituents’ input in evaluating the bills.

Proposals scale 2nd reading in Senate 

Meanwhile, the reform bills were passed for a second reading yesterday at the Senate.

Our reporter covering the Senate, however, observed that nearly half of senators were absent at yesterday’s plenary when the bills were passed. 

Leading the debate on the bills, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), said the bills aim to reduce the tax burden on small businesses and include people-focused proposals. He urged his colleagues to pass them to allow for more detailed discussions during public hearings.

The Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), seconded Bamidele’s motion,  emphasising the importance of moving the bills forward. Similarly, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the bills, noting the need to provide legislative backing.

“We need to give these bills all the necessary legislative support,” Musa said, advocating for their passage to allow stakeholders to make contributions during public hearings.

Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) highlighted the need for comprehensive tax reforms to stabilise Nigeria’s unpredictable economy. He acknowledged concerns raised about the bills but argued that they should proceed to the public hearing stage for refinement. “The bills, if passed into law, will entrench true federalism,” he added.

However, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), who had maintained a strong stance against the bills, reiterated his position, suggesting the bills be withdrawn and reworked before being presented for passage.

“I am not against reform; I am not against tax reform bills. My concern is the timing,” Ndume said, arguing that the bills should align with positions already adopted by governors and the National Economic Council (NEC).

“I suggest the bills be withdrawn, reworked, and transmitted back to us for swift passage,” Ndume added, noting that traditional rulers and other stakeholders had not publicly shifted their stance on the proposals.

In contrast, the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) countered Ndume’s position. He stated that governors, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders would have the opportunity to contribute during the public hearings.

“These bills aim to reduce the tax burden on Nigerians. They should be passed,” Monguno argued.

On his part, Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured lawmakers and Nigerians that the Senate would only pass bills in the nation’s best interest.

He, thereafter, subjected the bills to a voice vote after which he struck the gavel in favour of the ‘ayes’. Akpabio then directed the Committee on Finance to ensure critical stakeholders were invited to the public hearing. He also directed the committee to submit its report in six weeks.