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Presidency to withdraw tax reform bills after 36 govs kick

Published

1 year ago

November 1, 2024

Presidency to withdraw tax reform bills after 36 govs kick

Barring any last minute changes, the Bola Tinubu Presidency will withdraw the Tax Reform Bills sent to the National Assembly barely two months ago by the president.

This is owing to the controversy generated by the four bills, which were sent to the parliament by President Tinubu on the 3rd of September, 2024.

Newstrends reliably learnt last night that the presidency has agreed to withdraw the bills, but sources said those pieces of proposed legislations would be modified and resubmitted to the National Assembly in due course.

The 144th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, recommended the withdrawal of the tax reform bills.

The recommendation came after governors of the 19 northern states, who met in Kaduna on Monday, alongside prominent traditional rulers from the region, resolved, among others, to reject the Nigeria Tax Reform Bill.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the northern governors and monarchs decried the contents of the recent Tax Reform Bill, saying they were against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of the Value Added Tax (VAT).

President Tinubu had on September 3, transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration.

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Tinubu, who was on vacation in London at the time, sent the bills via a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen. The letter was read on the floor of the House during plenary that day.

The bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.

The others are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.

Tinubu said the bills were designed to support his administration’s objectives and strengthen fiscal institutions in the country.

“The proposed tax bills present substantial benefits that align with my government’s objectives and fiscal reform on the economic growth by enhancing taxpayer compliance, strengthening our fiscal institutions and fostering a more effective and transparent fiscal regime,” he said.

The president further stated that he was confident that if the bills were passed, they would encourage and stimulate the economy.

Explaining their decision to reject the Tax Reform Bill, the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, while reading the communiqué of the forum’s meeting said: “This is because companies remit VAT using location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed. In view of the foregoing, the forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governors’ Forum is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and development of the country. However, the forum calls for equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalised”, he said.

Later, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State further clarified the position of governors from the region, saying they were against the VAT bill because it would be unfair to the North as a whole.

Sule said that the governors were not against President Tinubu.

He said: “We can’t bring in President Tinubu and then oppose him. If you look at the composition of the meeting you will see that they are people from the APC and the PDP. Some don’t even have a political party. We sat down and took the decision together.

“Some are traditional rulers. If you look at the law, it will be unfair to the North”, he reiterated.

Presidency to withdraw tax reform bills after 36 govs kick

Related Topics:Bola Tinubu Featured Presidency Tax Reform

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Senate Budget Defence Disrupted as Natasha Accuses Committee Leadership of Disrespect

Published

3 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senate Budget Defence Disrupted as Natasha Accuses Committee Leadership of Disrespect

A Senate budget defence session on Wednesday was thrown into chaos when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) abruptly walked out after a tense confrontation with Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Mines and Steel Development. The dispute arose during the review of the 2026 budget for the Ministry of Steel Development, drawing attention to conflicts over legislative oversight and constituency representation.

The clash occurred after nearly four hours of questioning of Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, and his team. Akpoti-Uduaghan pressed concerns regarding the stalled Ajaokuta Steel Company revival, transparency in Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and the ministry’s accountability.

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As the session neared its conclusion, Chairman Ndubueze attempted to adjourn proceedings, insisting the senator had spoken at length. Akpoti-Uduaghan protested, stating: “It’s very important. I still have something to say, and I think you should respect me enough.” She emphasized that the interactive session was meant to allow further engagement, especially on matters affecting her constituency.

The chairman maintained that the minister’s time had elapsed and proceeded to close the session, prompting the senator to accuse the committee leadership of shutting her out of deliberations. She then gathered her documents and stormed out of the session, temporarily stalling the proceedings.

Observers noted that the incident highlights broader tensions in Senate committee management, particularly regarding procedural fairness and the balance between seniority and active participation. Despite the disruption, the committee plans follow-up sessions to address unresolved issues related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company and other budgetary concerns.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 10th Senate, has established a reputation for being vocal on governance and development issues, advocating strongly for her constituents and holding government agencies accountable.

Senate Budget Defence Disrupted as Natasha Accuses Committee Leadership of Disrespect

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Kwankwasiyya Urges US Congress to Drop Kwankwaso’s Name from Bill

Published

3 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Kano State governor and NNPP leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Kwankwasiyya Urges US Congress to Drop Kwankwaso’s Name from Bill

The Kwankwasiyya movement has called on the United States Congress to remove the name of former Kano State governor and NNPP leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from a proposed legislative bill currently under consideration.

In a strongly worded statement, leaders of the Kwankwasiyya movement described the inclusion of Kwankwaso’s name in the proposed US bill as “misleading and politically motivated,” insisting that the former presidential candidate has no connection to the issues referenced in the draft legislation.

The group said linking Kwankwaso to the bill could create diplomatic misunderstandings and damage his international reputation.

“We urge the United States Congress to immediately remove the name of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the proposed bill. He has no involvement whatsoever in the matters cited, and such reference is unfair and unjustified,” the statement read.

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The movement further argued that Kwankwaso, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has consistently promoted democratic values, peaceful political engagement, and national development.

According to the group, associating him with any controversial legislative move abroad amounts to political mischief and an attempt to tarnish his image ahead of future political activities.

The Kwankwasiyya movement also called on diplomatic channels to clarify the matter and prevent what it described as the internationalisation of domestic political disagreements.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the US Congress regarding the demand, nor has the full content of the proposed bill been publicly detailed.

Kwankwaso remains a prominent political figure in Nigeria and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, with a strong support base particularly in Kano and parts of northern Nigeria.

Kwankwasiyya Urges US Congress to Drop Kwankwaso’s Name from Bill

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Drama at NASS as Works Minister, Oshiomhole Clash During Budget Defence

Published

4 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Senator David Umahi and Senator Adams Oshiomhole

Drama at NASS as Works Minister, Oshiomhole Clash During Budget Defence

Tempers flared at the National Assembly on Wednesday as Minister of Works, David Umahi, clashed with Senator Adams Oshiomhole during the defence of the Federal Ministry of Works’ 2026 budget proposal, turning what was expected to be a routine legislative exercise into a heated confrontation.

The dramatic exchange occurred before the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works, where Umahi appeared to defend the ministry’s multi-trillion naira allocation for the 2026 fiscal year. Lawmakers had raised concerns over road contracts, funding gaps, and the prioritisation of major infrastructure projects across the country.

In a video that has since gone viral, Umahi was seen confronting Oshiomhole after the Edo North senator questioned aspects of the ministry’s spending and contract decisions.

“You can’t use foul language on me. I’m a distinguished Nigerian,” Umahi fired back during the tense exchange.

The clash reportedly stemmed from scrutiny over the handling of major federal road projects, including the strategic Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano highway, as well as broader issues of procurement transparency and value for money.

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The 2026 proposal presented by the ministry includes significant allocations for the completion of ongoing federal highways and legacy infrastructure projects. Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government currently owes contractors trillions of naira for certified works executed in previous years, a situation he said has slowed the pace of delivery on some projects.

As the exchange escalated, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga (Kano Central) cautioned the minister over his choice of words.

According to him, “You are just two months Senator, Mr Umahi,” in a remark that further heightened tension in the chamber.

The session briefly descended into disorder as lawmakers exchanged words over procedural issues and speaking rights, prompting senior members of the committee to intervene and restore order.

In defending his stewardship of the ministry, Umahi maintained that the 2026 Works budget is designed to accelerate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of critical road corridors nationwide. He also challenged lawmakers to personally inspect ongoing projects, insisting that the quality of work would justify the allocations.

The confrontation highlights growing pressure on the Ministry of Works over road infrastructure funding, contract awards, and accountability in project execution, particularly as Nigeria grapples with fiscal constraints and mounting public expectations.

Despite the heated exchanges, Oshiomhole was eventually allowed to continue his contribution to the budget debate, and proceedings moved forward after interventions from other lawmakers.

The incident underscores the intensity of legislative oversight surrounding the 2026 federal budget, especially in sectors with heavy capital expenditure such as works and infrastructure.