Senate President Akpabio defended the ratification of tax reform bills as ‘national tasks’

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has emphasized that the decision of the National Assembly to ratify the Tengara Tax Reform Bill Tinubu President Tinubu was guided by a joint commitment for national development, not a partisan advantage.

In a statement released on Thursday through his aide, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the bill as a “critical pillar” of the New Harapan Tinubu agenda, made to restructure the Nigerian tax system for equity, transparency, and greater efficiency.

“This bill is fundamental to the president’s economic reform,” Akpabio said. “When entering into the law, they will strengthen Nigeria’s income and improve tax administration to further reflect justice and accountability.”

The law, consisting of the Nigerian Revenue Service Bill (Establishment), the Joint Revenue Council Bill (Establishment), Nigerian Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigerian Tax Bill, was first submitted in November 2024 and was passed last week after months of tight consideration.

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Behind the scenes, the trip was completely indirect.

One of the most controversial provisions proposed allows countries that generate taxes to maintain up to 60 percent of the value added tax (VAT) collected. While supporters argue that the action will give incentives to the growth of internal income and local accountability, it meets with fierce resistance, especially from members of parliament in the northern state of Nigeria, who are afraid it can expand economic differences.

The Senate, led by Akpabio, negotiated compromise: the rate of retention was increased to 30 percent, and the language around “derivation” was replaced by a more neutral “consumption place”.

“There are times when intense disputes, even among leadership,” Eyiboh said. “But the capacity of the president of the senate for calm involvement and the construction of consensus helps to herding the process.”

Akpabio also acknowledged the initial opposition of the state governor and several members in the two legislative rooms. However, he said the continuous dialogue and reciprocal concession finally led to an integrated front.

“Their cooperation is finally the game changers,” he said. “By calm the tension in their area and supporting the revised proposal, the governors help open the way for broader support.”

Akpabio gave praise to the Chairperson of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to get support, especially from younger parliament members who initially had doubts about the depth and pace of reform.

Public hearing and stakeholder consultation are the center of the legislative process, which Akpabio emphasized is “intentional, transparent, and inclusive.”

“This is not only about policy, this is about building a structure that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians everyday,” he said.

With the current bill awaiting the President’s approval, Akpabio described the section as a decisive moment in the administration of President Tinubu.

“When we moved to the second half of this government, this was a milestone that was worth celebrating,” he said. “Credit must be given to all those who set aside personal interest to prioritize the country.”