Tax Reform, Rivers Crisis Top Agenda As Senate Resumes Tuesday

The Nigerian Senate will resume plenary on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, with the consideration of the 2024 Tax Reform Bills expected to top its legislative agenda.

The bills, aimed at overhauling the country’s tax system and boosting revenue generation are considered crucial for improving fiscal sustainability and delivering development projects across all levels of government.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said the Senate is committed to passing the tax bills promptly to help reposition the economy.

“The passage has become imperative to reform the country’s tax regime and shore up the revenue of the federation. This will also help governments at all levels to implement projects and deliver the dividends of democracy,” Bamidele stated.

In addition to fiscal reforms, the Senate is expected to deliberate on the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.

Senator Bamidele disclosed that the Senate will work closely with the Executive to facilitate reconciliation among stakeholders and ensure political stability in the state.

“Our goal is to ensure that all stakeholders address the root causes of the crisis and achieve proper reconciliation in the overriding public interest,” he said.

The renewed wave of insecurity in several parts of the country, including Benue, Borno, Katsina, and Plateau States will also be on the front burner at the upper legislative chamber.

Bamidele stressed that the Senate also planned to intensify engagements with security agencies to develop effective strategies for tackling the challenges.

“As the foremost legislative body, the Senate will work with key actors in the security sector to strengthen mechanisms for managing national security. We are committed to ending terrorism and ensuring peace across the federation,” he added.

The review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) will continue under the leadership of Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jubrin.

Bamidele said the process would be accelerated to strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure and democratic institutions.

Also slated for consideration is the review of the Electoral Act, 2022, to enhance the credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness of future elections.

Bamidele further disclosed that several pending bills of national importance across various sectors would receive urgent attention, with relevant committees expected to conduct public hearings to enable citizens contribute to the legislative process.