The president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended the National Assembly for engaging tax experts to enlighten lawmakers and the public on the intricacies of the proposed tax reform bills.
According to Akpabio, the expert briefings were vital in addressing misconceptions surrounding the bill and gaining public support.
Akpabio made this statement during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Association of Niger Delta Monarchs of Nigeria (ANDMON), led by His Royal Majesty, Captain Okurakpot, on Wednesday in Abuja.
In a statement by his special assistant on media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio expressed gratitude to Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abass for their roles in facilitating expert briefings.
“We had some contentious bills that the public seemed not to understand. We felt we couldn’t proceed without educating the people. I thank the deputy Senate president for presiding over today’s hearing with experts and speaker Tajudeen Abass for doing the same last week,” he said. “I believe today’s session has clarified doubts, and those with initial misgivings will now support the bill.”
Akpabio also praised traditional rulers for maintaining peace in the Niger Delta region, which he noted has significantly increased oil production.
He urged the government to enforce policies against environmental degradation by oil companies and reiterated commitments to the Ogoniland cleanup and the completion of the East-West Road.
“Before now, militancy hindered our ability to meet OPEC quotas, causing oil companies to leave the region. This must not happen again. Concrete policies are needed to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development,” he stated.
Earlier, captain Okurakpot commended Akpabio’s leadership and pledged the association’s support toward tackling insecurity and promoting peace in the oil-producing region.
“We are here to declare our support for your leadership of the National Assembly and your achievements as Senate President. We also offer our collaboration in addressing insecurity and enhancing oil production,” he said, adding that their association is well-positioned to assist in renewable energy projects and job creation for youths in the region.
The visit highlighted the continued collaboration between traditional institutions and the federal government to ensure sustainable development and peace in the Niger Delta.
