News
Tax Reform Bills Nearing Passage As Senate Committee Finalises Discussions
Strong indications emerged on Monday that the Senate is on the verge of holding a public hearing on the Tax Reform Bills, with the aim of presenting them for a third reading and eventual passage.
This development was confirmed following a closed-door session of the Senate Ad-hoc committee and key government officials, including the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji; Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele; and Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu.
The Senate’s Ad-hoc Committee on Tax Reform led by its Chairman, Sen. Abba Moro, was established in December last year to engage with the Federal Government on contentious aspects of the proposed tax legislation.
Senator Moro revealed that significant progress had been made.
“We have reached some agreements after thorough discussions with government officials. Our goal is to synthesize the entire process to deliver a law that meets the needs of all Nigerians,” Moro stated.
He expressed optimism that the committee would soon finalize its work, paving the way for the bills to be presented for passage.
“By the time we meet again, we will have a better story to tell,” he said.
FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji also expressed confidence in the progress made, indicating that previously contentious issues had been resolved.
“The so-called grey areas were discussed and clarified. We are now moving in the right direction, and there won’t be a need for further meetings. All issues have been identified, clarified, and resolutions have been made,” Adedeji said.
He affirmed that there was a consensus among all stakeholders on the necessity of the proposed tax laws.
“Everyone agreed that Nigeria needs these laws. Today, we saw the framework of the law come together, with the Attorney General, lawmakers, and operators all on the same page,” he concluded.
The committee’s efforts mark a significant step towards overhauling Nigeria’s tax system, with the reforms expected to enhance revenue collection and create a more efficient tax framework.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced adjustment for the campaign period ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
The adjusted schedule for the election was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election and adjusted the Osun State Governorship Election forward by one week from the 8th of August 2026 to the 15th.
“As a result of this adjustment, the last day for political parties’ campaigns in the state is now midnight on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in line with Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides that campaigns shall end 24 hours prior to election day.
“The Commission urges all political parties, candidates, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the revised timeline.
“INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections,” the statement read.
Fresh allegations have surfaced against former Zamfara State Governor and current senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, accusing him of engaging in large-scale financial inducements aimed at influencing political figures and advancing his ambition to become Nigeria’s Vice President.
According to claims attributed to unnamed sources, Yari is allegedly distributing billions of naira to politicians and influential individuals, while reportedly keeping detailed records of such transactions for potential leverage. The allegations suggest that these actions are part of a broader effort to position himself as a possible running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should there be any change involving current Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The report further alleges that Yari has made substantial monthly payments to key political figures, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, as well as providing funds to presidential aides to secure access and influence.
In addition, Yari is said to have targeted individuals within the inner circle of the President, including associates and family members. One claim alleges that he distributed millions of dollars during a recent birthday event for Gilbert Chagoury.
The senator is also reportedly linked to the establishment of a political support group, the Renewed Hope Network, allegedly funded with billions of naira and coordinated through political ally James Abiodun Faleke.
Further allegations tie Yari to past financial dealings involving late former President Muhammadu Buhari and former First Lady Aisha Buhari, with claims that funds were exchanged and later referenced during investigations into alleged fraud cases.
Sources also claim that Yari’s wealth is partly derived from illegal gold mining activities in Zamfara State, alongside consultancy payments reportedly received from the Federal Government.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Yari or the individuals named in the allegations. The claims also remain unverified, and no formal charges or independent confirmations have been publicly established.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared that he is ready to contest the 2027 election to seek a second term in office as Nigeria’s leader.
According to him, he is ready to break the shackles of ignorance and poverty, put freedom in the hearts of Nigerians and ensure democracy survives.
Taking a swipe at opposition parties, President Tinubu said he wants to give something different from the rascality or noise-making of a street convention.
According to him, the country must submit to the principles of separation of powers and respect the judiciary even when rulings don’t favour a particular group.
Naija News reports that Tinubu made the declaration when he met with the leadership and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu added that he can’t be intimidated by the antics of opposition parties and politicians, declaring that he was once in their shoes and understands the game.
“They want to scare me off? It’s a lie. I have been through this path before, and if I have to come back over and over again, I will do the same thing,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has berated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his interest in the 2027 presidency.
Onanuga argued that Atiku is simply pursuing a self-serving interest without regard for zoning or Nigeria’s power rotation arrangement, which gives preference to a southern candidate for the 2027 presidency.
According to the presidential media aide, Atiku has constantly disregarded zoning arrangements in his previous ambitions for the presidency, leading to a crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He added that Atiku’s open declaration of intent to contest the 2027 presidency is following the same route and may plunge the African Democratic Congress (ADC) into similar troubles.
Onanuga, however, predicted that Atiku would suffer a resounding defeat at the polls, describing him as a man who never learns.
INEC adjusts Osun governorship election campaign period
Nigerian stocks rally again as investors gain N1.66tn, market cap crosses N136tn
Trump Says Iran Agrees To Hand Over Nuclear Dust Amid Strait of Hormuz Blockade
-
News20 hours agoPDP approved appointment of Wike as minister – APC
-
News15 hours agoBREAKING : Gunmen kidnap JAMB candidates, others in Benue
-
News20 hours agoSee Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 16th April 2026
-
News21 hours agoTerrorists plotting massive attacks on Abuja International Airport, Correctional Centres, military detention centre — AP Report
-
News20 hours agoBBC to fire 2,000 workers to make £500m savings
-
Opinion16 hours agoDIAMOND DISTINCTIONS FOR THE PEOPLE’S MAN; DR. CHIDO ONUMAH
-
News20 hours agoPresidency mocks Atiku over 2027 ambition, calls him serial loser, advises Obi to leave ADC
-
News16 hours agoWike: Atiku a serial contestant, loser, he will still contest in 2031 (PHOTO)
You must be logged in to post a comment Login