Senate Removes Chief Whip Monguno from Tax Reform Committee

The Nigerian Senate has made changes to the membership of the 10-man committee formed to address the contentious aspects of the Tax Reform Bills. On Thursday, during the plenary session, the name of Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) was removed from the committee, just 24 hours after its formation.

The Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), announced the change, replacing Senator Monguno with Senator Shehu Kaka (APC, Borno Central). Despite this shift, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), remains the committee’s leader. Other members include Senators Adamu Ailero (PDP, Kebbi Central), Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Titus Zam (APC, Benue South), Abdullahi Yahaya (PDP, Kebbi North), Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West), Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), and Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East).

This move follows widespread criticism of the Tax Reform Bills sent by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly. The Senate suspended further legislative action on the bills last Wednesday and resolved to hold a public hearing. As part of the process, the Senate set up the 10-man committee to liaise with the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice to resolve the issues raised with the tax reforms.

The committee’s goal is to address contentious clauses in the bills. The Senate had earlier mandated its Committee on Finance to halt any further action on the tax bills, which had passed their second reading the previous week.

In early September 2024, President Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly, following recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, led by Taiwo Oyedele. These bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. Together, they aim to overhaul the country’s tax framework, improve tax administration, and reduce disputes.

The National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, previously recommended withdrawing the tax bills for broader consultation. However, President Tinubu, on October 31, 2024, confirmed that the bills would proceed through the legislative process, including public hearings, to allow for more extensive input from stakeholders.