Tax Reform Bills: South East Senate caucus opts for wider consultation

.NOA, stakeholders engage on security, tax reform bills

. Tinubu committed to transparency, accountability –Presidency

… As Adeleke commends Tinubu’s economic reforms, calls for federal collaboration

Ignatius Okorocha, Abuja  and  Tunde Adeleke, Osogbo

The South East Caucus in Senate on Monday, joined  groups of stakeholders in the polity to call  for wider consultations on the Tax Reform Bills pending for consideration and possible passage by both Chambers of the National Assembly .

Leader of the caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe ( APGA Abia South), stated this to newsmen  after closed door meeting of  Senators from the entire five South – Eastern States held in his office.

Abaribe at the media briefing , said Senators from the South East , are not against the bill but want wider consultations to be carried  out on them before full consideration at both Chambers.

” As much as the entire Senators from  South East , are   not against the Tax Reform Bills brought  before the chambers of the National Assembly for consideration , we want wider consultations to be carried out on them .

” Specifically , we need to consult with our constituents across the 15 Senatorial Districts in the Zone , with our state governors and other critical stakeholders .

” We have read through the bills and want to share our knowledge with other stakeholders from the South East Zone for much more equitable framework in the bills that would eventually be passed

” We are not against the bills but need to consult with our people “, he stressed

Recall that the Tax Reform bills which includes  Nigeria Tax Bill 2024,  Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024 , Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and  Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; have generated controversies in the polity since October 3, 2024 , when President Bola Tinubu , forwarded them to both the Senate and the House of Representatives for consideration .

While the Presidency and the South – South caucus in the Senate , are calling for immediate consideration of the bills , other stakeholders in the polity ,like the Nigerian  Governors’ forum , the Northern Senators , Arewa Consultative forum etc , want wider consultations .

.NOA, stakeholders engage on security, tax reform bills

Meanwhile, The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Niger has engaged stakeholders to discuss the nationwide sensitisation on security, tax reform bills and get-rich-quick syndrome.

The Director General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the meeting was a nationwide sensitisation campaign on five critical issues affecting the nation’s well-being, unity, and development.

Issa-Onilu was represented at the meeting on Monday by Mrs Onuoha Uchenna, Assistant Director, Finance and Account of the agency.

He said that the campaign focused on World HIV/AIDS day, security awareness, discouraging get-rich-quick syndrome, world human rights day, and tax reform bills.

“The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians,” he said.

He said the government had intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counselling services nationwide as well as ensure antiretroviral treatment was available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS.

He added that government has also partnered with local and international organisations to combat stigma and discrimination.

On security awareness, Issa-Onilu said the government was strengthening security architecture through better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies.

He also emphasised the need for citizens to reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and opportunities provided through government initiatives.

The NOA boss further explained that the government was implementing reforms to make the tax system fairer and less burdensome for citizens.

He called on stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and educational institutions to amplify the messages and extend their reach.

In his welcome address, Malam Yahaya Gbongbo, the state Director of NOA, said the agency launched the campaign on Nov. 6 in Niger to make people understand that security was everyone’s business.

He noted that NOA’s mandate was to communicate government programmes and policies to the people, adding that the agency was committed to doing that especially at the grassroots.

In his remarks, Mr Eze Pampas, Eze Ndigbo of Minna and Chairman, Resident Community Traditional Leaders Association in Niger, lauded NOA for its sensitisation programmes aimed at promoting national development and unity.

He attributed the prevalence of get-rich-quick syndrome among Nigerians especially the youths to injustice, corruption, and unemployment in the country.

Also Malam Bala Musa, Deputy Director in NOA in Niger, said the issue of tax reform bills has been a contentious issue and urged Nigerians to study the bill and understand its benefits.

. Tinubu committed to transparency, accountability –Presidency

… As Adeleke commends Tinubu’s economic reforms, calls for federal collaboration

The Personal Assistant to the President on Constituency Affairs,  Khadijat Kareem, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in addressing the concerns of Nigerians.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Aberee, Osun State, on Monday, Kareem emphasized that the Tinubu administration is dedicated to tackling pressing challenges in the region, ranging from infrastructure deficits to economic empowerment.

According to her, Mr President is committed to working tirelessly to address the issues that matter most to you all, his administration is dedicated to transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to your needs.

“We recognize the unique challenges facing Osun state, from infrastructure development to economic empowerment. Mr President goals is to create a brighter future for the good people of Osun state, where every citizen has access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.”

Earlier, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has threw weights behind President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, affirming his administration’s commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between state and federal governments.

Adeleke, who was represented by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, lauded the president’s efforts to rebuild the national economy, emphasizing the importance of collective action to drive sustainable development.

He said, “Our people support the president’s reform efforts. The president has our support in the drive to rebuild the national economy. As a state, we are also happy with the increasing partnership between the subnational and the centre. Building the nation demands collective efforts.

“We remain committed to federal- state partnership. We look forward to completion of abandoned federal roads across the state. There are many abandoned projects in Osun State.”