The Senate on Thursday passed the remaining tax reform bills after completing the clause-by-clause review of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill and the Nigeria Tax Bill.

This followed the previous day’s passage of two key tax reform bills: the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, and the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2025.

Additionally, the Red Chamber removed contentious provisions from the two bills and established a conference committee to resolve differences between the Senate’s version and the one passed by the House of Representatives.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, praised the lawmakers for their dedication in ensuring Nigeria’s tax system aligns with international standards.

Speaking to journalists after the plenary, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, stated that his committee worked diligently to ensure that Nigeria’s taxation system aligns with international standards.

He said, “What we did was to look at the tax bills and do the needful. President Tinubu brought the tax reform bills to see how his government could bring economic development. We underwent a public hearing and had a retreat with 76 organisations present.

“Religious leaders and other relevant stakeholders were also in attendance. We also agreed that the Nigerian Revenue Service will need at least six directors.”

According to Musa, the senators advised the president to appoint a chairman and establish an ombudsman to mediate and resolve tax-related disputes.

He emphasized the urgent need to establish a tax tribunal, stating that its importance cannot be overstated.

“It is not a court of record. We have looked at the issue of VAT, collection of taxes, development levy and inheritance tax which had been expunged. I believe Nigerians will see something nice from this. We also commend the president for giving a level playing field to all,” he said.

He said the conference committee would reconcile the amendments carried out by both chambers of the National Assembly.

The members of the Senate conference committee include: Abba Moro, Abdulaziz Yari, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Yahaya Abdullahi, Sani Musa, Adetokunbo Abiru, Joel-Thomas Onowakpo, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Jim Kuta, Gbenga Daniel, Osita Izunaso, Solomon Adeola, Adams Oshiomhole, Babangida Uba, and Mohammed Monguno.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged the Senate to screen and confirm his nominees for the boards of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), North-Central Development Commission (NCDC), and South-South Development Commission (SSDC).

President Tinubu’s request was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary session.

The South-West, North-Central, and South-South Development Commissions were created to fast-track infrastructure development, boost economic activities, and enhance social welfare within their respective geopolitical zones. Each commission will function under the legislative oversight of the National Assembly.

Tinubu stated that his request for the confirmation of nominees aligns with the constitutional requirements for the regional development commissions.

He nominated 18 individuals, with former Ekiti State Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi proposed as Chairman and Charles Akinola as Managing Director.

After receiving the president’s request, the Senate President referred it to the appropriate committees for screening and confirmation.