Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Thursday submitted four executive bills to the National Assembly, targeting comprehensive tax reforms. One of the major proposals is renaming the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), which will be responsible for assessing, collecting, and accounting for federal revenues.

In a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the bill titled “The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill” aims to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act of 2007. The other bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, all aimed at creating a transparent and efficient fiscal regime.

President Tinubu emphasized that the reforms will enhance taxpayer compliance, strengthen fiscal institutions, and encourage investment, ultimately boosting Nigeria’s economic growth.
The letter, titled “Transmission of Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Bills to the National Assembly,” also included three other reform bills:

The Nigeria Tax Bill that aims to provide a consolidated fiscal framework for taxation in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill that seeks to establish a clear legal framework for fair and efficient tax administration, promoting ease of compliance, reducing disputes, and optimizing revenue collection.

The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill which proposes the creation of a Joint Revenue Board, Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman, all intended to harmonize revenue administration and resolve disputes.

President Tinubu reiterated the benefits of the proposed reforms, which aim to improve taxpayer compliance, strengthen fiscal institutions, and create a more transparent fiscal regime. 

According to the President, the proposed tax bill presents substantial benefits to  a library, government connectives and economic growth by enhancing tax payers compliance strengthening  fiscal institutions, and fostering a more effective and transparent fiscal regime.

“I am confident that the bill when passed, will encourage  investment,  boost consumer spending and stimulate Nigeria’s economic growth”, he stressed.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that Nigeria has always valued the Association of Senate, Shoora and Equivalent of Councils in Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA) as a pivotal platform for advancing parliamentary collaboration, just as it takes pride in having hosted the inaugural ASSECAA retreat in 2006.

Speaking at the 11th Annual Retreat of the ASSECAA in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Thursday, Akpabio restated the commitment of Nigeria to the alliance and believes strongly in the power of cooperation to drive development across Africa and the Arab world.
Special Assistant Media to the President of the Senate in a statement quoted Akpabio to have said,, ” Nigeria has always valued ASSECAA as a pivotal platform for advancing parliamentary collaboration. We take pride in having hosted the inaugural ASSECAA retreat in 2006 and have remained committed to this alliance, firmly believing in the power of cooperation to drive development across Africa and the Arab world.

Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akpabio stated, “Nigeria continues to champion parliamentary diplomacy and intergovernmental cooperation. We recognize that unity and partnership across our regions are crucial in addressing the global challenges that confront us all.
“Our commitment is unwavering, and forums like this reinforce our shared vision for a prosperous and peaceful future.

“This year’s theme, ‘Strengthening the Joint Parliamentary Action of the Global South Countries to Face Environmental, Technological, and Development Challenges,’ is both timely and essential.
“As legislators, we bear the responsibility of crafting policies that will secure the future for generations to come. The crises we face—climate change, rapid technological advancements, and persistent development issues—necessitate not just individual national efforts but a collective strategy.

Speaking further, Senator Akpabio stressed that, “as we delve into these challenges, it is imperative to acknowledge the intertwined histories of Asia and Africa. Both continents, having faced colonial legacies, have shown remarkable resilience and cooperation. The struggles for independence and the pursuit of sustainable development have forged a bond between our peoples, reminding us that collaboration is not only possible but necessary.

“In Nigeria, we have embraced this spirit of cooperation as we confront our own developmental, technological, and environmental challenges. Our nation is rich in resources, yet we continue to grapple with issues such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation. The growing population and urbanization place tremendous pressure on our resources, demanding innovative solutions and collective action.

He noted that, “regarding environmental challenges, we in Africa and the Arab world are acutely aware of the urgency of addressing climate change. From rising sea levels in coastal cities to desertification in our arid regions, our ecosystems are under severe threat. I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigeria’s bold steps in green initiatives, including large-scale renewable energy projects. Yet, we know that meaningful progress lies in regional cooperation. Our united voices in the Global South must advocate for climate justice and the implementation of sustainable practices.

“In the realm of technological advancement, we face rapid shifts that present both immense opportunities and significant challenges. The digital economy promises substantial growth, but our policies must foster innovation while safeguarding the interests of all citizens. Equatorial Guinea’s strides in technological development are commendable and serve as a model for the region. We must work collaboratively to ensure these advancements benefit all sectors of society, especially the most vulnerable.

“Development challenges remain a critical focus. Addressing poverty, inequality, and underemployment requires innovative legislative solutions. In Nigeria, we are striving to create environments that promote infrastructure development, generate employment, and support small businesses.
“However, collaboration with regional partners is essential for greater impact. It is through forums like this that we can share best practices, align legislative efforts, and support each other in driving economic growth.”

Elder statesman and former Senator, Edwin Clark, has urged the Senate President Godswill Akpabio to safeguard the institution of the national Assembly from being hijacked by anti-democratic influences within the National Assembly (NASS), . 

In a letter, Clark commended Akpabio’s leadership but warned of a regrouping faction within the NASS aiming to undermine due process, particularly in altering the 1999 Constitution. 

He referenced past attempts by this group to intimidate lawmakers and manipulate state judiciaries and local governments for political gain. 
Clark urged Akpabio to uphold constitutional procedures and resist any attempts by the group to subvert the rule of law.
He emphasized the supremacy of the Constitution and called on all arms of government to ensure its compliance, highlighting the importance of democratic principles in these challenging times

The letter reads,

“Firstly, let me commend you on the positive observed changes in the manner you handle proceedings on the floor of the Senate. 

“However, please permit to bring to your attention some things that may not be handled correctly in the National Assembly, having regard to your speech in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, during the flag presentation to the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidates for the forth coming State Local Government elections. 

“Mr. Senate President, I am conversant with the workings of the Senate, having been a Senator myself in the 1980s, although for a few months before a military coup toppled the civilian government. 

“As a Senator, I served as member of top Senate Select Committee, the committee saddled with the responsibility of appointing committees of the senate; this was in addition to been chair of two other senate committees. 

“It is on this basis that it has became quite worrisome to some of us observing the brazen manner in which some things are done in the Senate/National Assembly. 

“I wish to bring to fore, some of these anomalies. The 1999 Constitution of the country states in Section 9, the ‘Mode of altering provisions of the Constitution’, it says:

“The National Assembly may, subject to the provisions of this section, alter any provisions of this Constitution.

“An Act of the National Assembly for the alteration of this Constitution, not being an Act to which section 8 of this Constitution, applies, shall not be passed in either House of the National Assembly unless the proposal is supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of all the members of that House and approved by resolution of the Houses of Assembly of not less than two-thirds of all the States.

“An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of altering the provisions of this section, section 8 or Chapter IV of this Constitution shall not be passed by either House of the National Assembly unless the proposal is approved by the votes of not less than four-fifths majority of all members of each House, and also approved by resolution of the Houses of Assembly of not less than two-thirds of all the States.

“For the purposes of section 8 of this Constitution and subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the number of members of each House of the National Assembly shall notwithstanding any vacancy, be deemed to be the number of members specified in sections 48 and 49 of this constitution.

“The constitution also states how Bills should be passed. But we have a situation where members of the Senate do not even see some Bills before they are passed into law. 

“There is every need to follow laid down procedures, because these procedures were not put in place for the heck of it; they no doubt, provide for an effective and democratic government. 

“It has been observed, for sometime now, that there is a group which is anti-democratic, which do not want distinguished members to follow due process, and it is also the reason why we have two different Bills submitted on the same subject. 

“This group in the 8th National Assembly intimidated, harassed and physically attacked the National Assembly (NASS) for no just cause, using the Department of State Service (DSS) officials in their combatant uniforms, to prevent members access to the complex, except die hard members/activists like Hon. Boma Goodhead who were ready to sacrifice their lives at ensuring that the right things were done. 

“This action by the DSS, led to the sacking of its then Director General (DG), Lawal Musa Daura, by Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbanjo, acting as President. 

“Lawal was replaced with Matthew Seiyefa, a professional, who had just a year to go on retirement. This laudable action was, however, abominable to President Buhari, who when he returned to the country, removed Seiyefa from office. 

“He appointed Yusuf Bichi Magaji from Kano State, because he felt that such a sensitive office should not be occupied by someone from the Niger Delta.

“Mr. Senate President, the information floating around town is that this dangerous, anti-democratic group in the NASS is regrouping, and want to control their various State judiciary and local governments. 

“They want State account to be removed without debate as provided for in the Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution as quoted above; this group of persons have won the congresses of their political parties in their various States, and are now waiting to take over the party structures through dubious means because it is the NASS that can amend the Constitution as provided.

“Please this country is divided, and it is failing. This is the time for the various arms of government to perform their duties according to the law. Let us be wary of the ides of march.

“The purpose of this write-up, therefore, is to kindly appeal to you not to allow this nefarious group to hi-jack the public debates in the various State Houses of Assembly, where the debates will be held having regard to the powers of the State Governors and some mischievous, ambitious and “powerful” politicians over their State Houses of Assembly.  

“Everyone, in this country, is under strict compulsion to obey the Constitution. I repeat here, Section 1 (1) which says:

This Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This includes the Supreme Court (Judiciary) the President (Executive) and the National Assembly (Legislature).”