By Uche Onyeali
National Assembly has transmitted the tax reform bills to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, during a press briefing at the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday.
The legislative package includes four bills – the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill and the Nigeria Tax Bill.
The bills were designed to modernise tax administration, broaden the tax base and enhance coordination across federal, state and local levels.
“Yes, the bill has now been transmitted. It is out of our hands and on its way to the executive,” Adaramodu said.
They were originally sent to the National Assembly by Tinubu in November 2024 as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Economic Agenda.
The harmonised versions were adopted by the Senate and House of Representatives on May 25.
“Tax bills like these require careful scrutiny. Legal departments in both chambers must ensure that they align with existing laws before we send them to the presidency.
“It is not a matter of two or three days. After harmonisation, the clerk of the National Assembly prepares the final document. Only then can the Senate president and the speaker sign off for transmission,” the committee chairman said.
He said the joint committees, legal review teams and legislative aides worked on the final drafts.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio had last week, commended the lawmakers for their display of “national interest, inclusive legislative engagement and strategic leadership” in ensuring the bills passage.
“These bills will add immense value to governance and transform how taxes are collected and shared in Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
