The Senate has delayed the approval of four tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Tinubu, rescheduling the vote for Wednesday to allow more time for deliberation and detailed review.
The bills—Nigerian Tax Bill, Tax Administration Bill, Revenue Tax Board Bill, and the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill—were introduced by the president six months ago as part of his administration’s broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s tax system and enhance revenue collection.
Although the House of Representatives passed the bills two weeks ago, prompting growing calls for the Senate to act, the upper chamber opted to hold off until Wednesday to ensure proper scrutiny.
In another development, the Senate agreed to convene a national summit on security in response to the surge in violent attacks and killings in parts of the country, including Plateau, Benue, and Zamfara states.
The decision followed a motion sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Ibrahim expressed concern over the global and domestic security environment, linking it to international crises such as the Russia-Ukraine war and growing tensions between the global north and south.
He argued that these challenges are worsening food insecurity and hindering progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
He also cited shifts in global power dynamics—like changing immigration policies and economic conflicts—as signs of a new world order, calling for Nigeria to reposition its strategic interests on the international stage.
Ibrahim emphasized the need to invest in the military, not just in hardware but in innovative security thinking.
Senator Mohammed Dandutse (Katsina South) supported the motion, noting that lack of intelligence sharing among Nigerian security agencies was hampering efforts to combat insecurity.
He stressed the need for accountability in how security funds are spent.
However, not all senators agreed. Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) and Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) questioned the effectiveness of another security summit.
Their concerns were countered by Senators Titus Zam (Benue North-West) and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, who endorsed the initiative.
Following a voice vote, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that the motion was adopted by the majority. While the original proposal was for a three-day summit, Akpabio suggested a two-day session instead.
The Senate subsequently resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to coordinate the summit in Abuja. Delegates from federal, state, and local governments, along with traditional rulers, are expected to participate.
The Senate also called on the federal government to reassess and improve its security policies based on recommendations from the summit.