Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, the Senate, on Wednesday adopted the harmonised version of the tax reform bills presented to both houses of the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
The adoption of the Red Chamber’s harmonized tax reform bills followed its consideration of the recommendations of the committee of both chambers tasked with aligning the differences in the draft bills.
Presenting the harmonised report, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sen. Sani Musa, laid out the final agreements reached by lawmakers in the committee
The legislative decision marked a significant step in Tinubu administration’s efforts to holistically overhaul the nation’s tax administration and revenue generation framework, as part of the broader fiscal reform agenda.
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The four tax reforms bills which were transmitted to the National Assembly in November 2024 by Tinubu are the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 583); Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 584); Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2025 (SB. 585) and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025 (SB. 586).
The adoption of the harmonized tax reform bills’ report by the Senate came three days after the House of Representatives hinted that the National Assembly may consider passing the harmonised tax reform bills following a successful review of the “troubling clauses” in the proposed legislation.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon. James Faleke, shared the position of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly via his official X account last Sunday.
He tweeted: “The Conference Committee set up by the House and the Senate on the Tax Reform Bills has successfully concluded its work. The joint committees thoroughly reviewed all sections and addressed the grey areas of the four Bills, examining each clause strategically and resolving contentious issues.
“After an intensive deliberation that stretched through Thursday night, all day Friday, and into the early hours of Saturday, I am pleased to report that the Bills are now ready for presentation to both the House and the Senate for final passage.
“I would like to especially appreciate the Senate Conference Committee, ably led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, the Distinguished Senator Sani Musa, as well as all members of the Senate Conference Committee”, the lawmaker added.
It would be recalled that the four tax bills were sent two weeks ago to the joint harmonisation committee made up of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to reconcile the amendments of both Chambers before it is transmitted to the President for his assent.
After announcing the passage of the bills following a majority voice vote, Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, commended the lawmakers for their efforts towards ensuring that the Nigerian tax system aligned with the international best standards.
He said: “These four executive bills seek to transform and modernise the tax system in Nigeria.”
The President had in October 2024 transmitted the four tax reform bills drafted by the Presidential Committee on Tax Reforms and Fiscal Policy to the National Assembly for consideration and passage,
Specifically, the bills aim to revolutionize Nigeria’s tax landscape by overhauling the existing tax laws, promoting exports, and streamlining tax administration.Revenue
