Senate Delays Passage of Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills, Sets Two-Day National Security Summit
The 10th Senate has postponed the passage of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills until Wednesday to allow for thorough review and debate.
The four bills—the Nigerian Tax Bill, Tax Administration Bill, Revenue Tax Board Bill, and Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill—were submitted by the president six months ago as part of a broader push to overhaul the country’s fiscal framework and enhance revenue generation. While the House of Representatives passed the bills two weeks ago, the Senate has faced growing pressure to act.
In a separate development, the Senate leadership has agreed to hold a two-day national security summit aimed at addressing the escalating violence and insecurity across the country.
The resolution followed a motion by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) during Tuesday’s plenary session. His motion came amid reports of deadly attacks by armed groups in Plateau, Benue, and Zamfara states, which occurred while President Tinubu was on a working visit to France. The violence led to renewed calls for the President to return and take direct charge of the country’s security efforts.
Senator Ibrahim argued that Nigeria’s security challenges are linked to global instability, including the Russia-Ukraine war and rising tensions between the global north and south. He also cited the impact of economic conflicts such as trade wars and changing immigration policies that reflect a shifting world order.
“The next world war may not be fought with traditional weapons. We are already witnessing an economic war, driven by destructive innovations in security,” Ibrahim warned. He called for enhanced military funding and a shift in strategy to adapt to future challenges.
His motion was seconded by Senator Mohammed Dandutse (Katsina South), who pointed to a lack of coordination among Nigeria’s security agencies and stressed the need for better use of allocated funds. “No nation can thrive without peace. We must confront these criminals decisively,” Dandutse said.
However, some lawmakers, including Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) and Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), questioned whether a summit would provide real solutions. Their concerns were countered by Senators Titus Zam (Benue North-West) and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, who backed the initiative.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, and the majority supported it. While Senator Ibrahim had proposed a three-day event, Akpabio suggested it be limited to two days.
The Senate has now resolved to establish an ad-hoc committee to plan the national security summit, which will bring together representatives from all levels of government, security institutions, and traditional authorities.
The Red Chamber also called on the Federal Government to revise its national security strategies based on recommendations that will emerge from the summit.
