Key Points
- Lawmakers face resistance over proposed tax reform legislation.
- Key senators voice concerns about the timing of new tax laws.
- Adjournment raises questions about legislative priorities during budget season.
The Senate and House of Representatives abruptly adjourned plenary sessions on Thursday until Nov. 19, following intense debate over President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills. The bills have faced resistance from key political stakeholders.
The punch reported that, on Wednesday, the Senate listed the tax reform bills on its order paper for a first reading but deferred them. The Senate also postponed the screening of seven ministerial nominees submitted by Tinubu last week. Surprisingly, the bills did not appear on Thursday’s order paper, which usually lists items for plenary proceedings.
Lawmakers hold closed-door session to discuss tax reform bills
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti Central) called for a sudden closed-door session on Thursday. He explained that the session aimed to address matters affecting the National Assembly’s operations. After nearly two hours, Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed that the session covered “matters of urgent national importance.”
“Distinguished colleagues, is this a true reflection of what transpired?” Akpabio asked, with senators confirming. The closed session followed open criticism of the tax proposals from state governors and senators. Key figures, including Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) and Dandutse Muntari (APC-Katsina South), expressed dissatisfaction with the bills.
Adjournment follows limited agenda progress after closed session
After reconvening, the Senate briefly addressed a report on a bill to establish the University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State. Lawmakers postponed all other items. Senate President Akpabio then announced an adjournment until Nov. 19, citing the need for oversight and committee work in the interim.
Earlier this month, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman Zacch Adedeji met with the Senate Finance Committee to discuss the tax reform bills. However, committee member Sen. Dandutse Muntari voiced strong doubts. He and other lawmakers argued that the timing for such reforms was inappropriate. Despite Adedeji’s reassurances that the bills would not raise taxes, committee members continued to resist.
The adjournment caught many observers by surprise, as the legislative calendar typically excludes recess periods during budget season. Lawmakers traditionally stay in session to handle budget submissions and related documents expected from the president.
