The National Assembly has assured Nigerians on Wednesday that it would not block the Tax Reform Bills presented by President Bola Tinubu in October.
Instead, lawmakers vowed to engage with the public to dispel misconceptions and ensure the passage of the key legislative reforms.

In a joint statement, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas affirmed their commitment to supporting the President’s tax reforms, calling them a transformative opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system.
The reforms include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

Akpabio praised the reforms as the first comprehensive tax overhaul since Nigeria’s independence, which he said would boost small and medium enterprises, improve revenue, and foster a competitive business environment.
“We will not kill any reform that you have forwarded to us, Mr. President,” he said, urging the public to engage thoughtfully with the proposals.

Echoing his sentiments, Speaker Abbas pledged that the National Assembly would work closely with President Tinubu to ensure the successful passage of the tax reforms and the 2025 budget. “We are fully committed to supporting the 2025 budget and all related reforms,” he declared.

In addition to the tax reform discussion, both chambers of the National Assembly also moved to extend the capital component of the 2024 budget to June 30, 2025. The bill for the extension has already passed its first and second readings in the Senate.

The decision to extend the budget’s implementation period reflects a strong resolve to ensure that key infrastructure projects continue without interruption.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled the 2025 budget tagged the Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Building Prosperity to a joint session of the National Assembly.
The N47.9 trillion proposal is designed to solidify ongoing economic reforms, tackle insecurity, and lay the groundwork for long-term national prosperity.

The budget seeks to build on Nigeria’s economic progress while addressing critical issues such as security, infrastructure, and human capital development.

In his address, President Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the journey of economic reforms and highlighted key achievements, including a 3.46% economic growth in the third quarter of 2024, a rise in foreign reserves to $42 billion, and a trade surplus of ₦5.8 trillion.
These, he said, reflect the administration’s commitment to restoring macroeconomic stability and promoting inclusive growth.

“The progress we’ve made is a testament to the resilience of our people, and we are determined to continue building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.

The 2025 budget comes with a revenue target of ₦34.82 trillion and an expenditure projection of ₦47.90 trillion, which includes ₦15.81 trillion allocated for debt servicing. This results in a budget deficit of ₦13.08 trillion, or 3.89% of the country’s GDP.

The President also set ambitious economic projections, aiming for a reduction in inflation from 34.6% to 15% and an improvement in the exchange rate from ₦1,700/$ to ₦1,500/$. Crude oil production is expected to reach 2.06 million barrels per day.

The budget outlined significant investments in key sectors to include defence and Security with the loin share of ₦4.91 trillion to strengthen national security and combat insurgency and banditry.

Infrastructure gulped N4.06 trillion to improve transportation, energy, and other critical infrastructure projects, with a focus on private capital investment.

Education was allocated N3.52 trillion, including ₦826.90 billion for educational infrastructure and student loans to enhance access to quality education.

Healthcare got N2.48 trillion, with ₦402 billion earmarked for health infrastructure to ensure Universal Health Coverage.
Additionally, the agriculture sector will receive support to boost food security and farmer productivity.
While President Tinubu highlighted the strategic priorities for Nigeria’s future, he also acknowledged the fiscal challenges posed by the country’s rising debt burden. With over N15 trillion allocated for debt servicing, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of Nigeria’s borrowing trajectory.

The President called for a collective effort to overcome the challenges of insecurity, corruption, and poor economic decisions of the past.
He urged Nigerians to unite in building a resilient economy that will provide opportunities for all citizens.

“Our vision is to restore peace, rebuild prosperity, and create opportunities for every Nigerian. This is a call to action for all of us,” Tinubu emphasized.

President Tinubu’s 2025 budget marked a continued commitment to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. With a focus on security, infrastructure, and human capital development, the budget aims to set Nigeria on a path of sustainable growth and recovery, though the heavy reliance on debt financing will require careful fiscal management in the years ahead.

The Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims, representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency, has reiterated his commitment to the creation of Okura State.

Speaking during a meeting with the Okura State Movement in Abuja on Sunday, Halims vowed to leverage his position as a principal officer to advance the long-standing aspiration for state creation. The event featured the presentation of a report by the Special Meeting Conveners’ Committee.

“In view of my position today in the National Assembly, by the grace of God, if any new state is created, Okura State will be among them. Write it down today,” Halims declared. “Where these decisions are made, I will be there. With God on our side, we will crack the hard nuts and achieve our goals.”

Halims emphasized unity and collective effort as essential elements for the realization of Okura State. He pledged unwavering support and urged constituents to remain steadfast in the struggle.

“We are in this struggle with all our strength,” he said. “I, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, am wholly and totally committed to doing justice to the creation of Okura State.”

He called for fervent prayers and grassroots support, noting that these are critical to ensuring sustained advocacy and effective representation at the National Assembly.

The chairman of the Okura State Movement, Chief Robert Usman Audu, described Hon. Halims as a consistent advocate for the state creation.
He noted that Halims recently sponsored a bill in the National Assembly, which has passed its second reading, proposing the creation of Okura State.

According to Audu, the proposed state aims to address long-standing demands for equitable representation, balanced development, and improved governance for the Igala and Bassa ethnic groups in the region.

“Creating Okura State will ensure fair distribution of resources, greater development, and a stronger sense of inclusion for the people of Kogi East Senatorial District,” Audu explained.

The Okura State Movement has launched several initiatives to bolster the push for state creation through dialogue with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Kogi State Government.

It is also embarking organization of town hall meetings, media campaigns, and outreach programs to educate citizens about the need for the creation of the State.
The movement has also proposed an “Okura State Good Governance Advisory Council” to guide socio-economic transformation.
It has also establishing committees, including a Strategy Committee, to intensify advocacy efforts.

The Special Meeting Conveners’ Committee, chaired by Prof. Godwin Ogbadu, has prepared comprehensive documentation outlining the historical, demographic, and socio-economic justifications for the state’s creation.

The movement has also reaffirmed Idah as the proposed capital of Okura State, citing its historical and cultural significance. The creation of Okura State, first proposed in 1980, represents a beacon of hope for the Igala and Bassa communities.

“This is a defining moment for our people,” Chief Audu stated. “This document demonstrates a well-coordinated effort, highlighting historical equity and development imperatives as the driving forces behind this agitation.”

With renewed momentum, strategic planning, and collective effort, advocates believe the decades-long dream of Okura State is closer to becoming a reality.