Politics
National Assembly Forwards Controversial Tax Reform Bills to President Tinubu for Approval
The National Assembly has officially transmitted a group of contentious tax reform bills to President Bola Tinubu for his consideration and approval.
This was announced on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, during a press briefing held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The proposed tax legislation has sparked significant debate, especially in northern Nigeria, where several governors and regional stakeholders have expressed concern that the reforms could negatively impact the region’s economic interests.
The legislative package consists of four major bills:
- Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill
- Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill
- Nigeria Tax Administration Bill
- Nigeria Tax Bill
“These bills have now left our hands. They are now with the executive,” Senator Adaramodu stated, emphasizing that the legislative chambers carried out a comprehensive legal and procedural review to ensure all provisions align with Nigeria’s current legal framework.
The tax reform proposals were originally presented to the National Assembly by President Tinubu in November 2024 as a core part of his administration’s strategy to overhaul the tax system. The aim is to modernize revenue collection, broaden the tax base, and establish clearer fiscal responsibilities among the federal, state, and local governments.
After undergoing reviews and harmonization between both legislative chambers, the final versions of the bills were adopted on May 25, 2025. Senator Adaramodu explained that such legislation demands meticulous scrutiny to prevent conflicts with existing laws. The final documents were signed by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, before being forwarded to the presidency.
The reform journey involved several joint committee sessions, in-depth legal vetting, and consultations with industry experts and relevant stakeholders to ensure balanced and effective outcomes.
Last week, Senate President Akpabio praised the National Assembly for its “strategic leadership” and commitment to national interest, highlighting the inclusive and deliberate legislative process that led to the swift passage of the bills.
“These landmark tax reform bills will significantly enhance governance by transforming how tax revenue is collected, managed, and distributed across all tiers of government in Nigeria,” Akpabio stated.
