The Senate session yesterday turned chaotic after its leadership decided to allow a federal government team promoting major tax reform bills, which include tax breaks for the poor and vulnerable, into the chamber.
The commotion began when Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele informed the lawmakers that a delegation would be entering the chamber to present details about the proposed tax reforms.
During the session, which was presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Bamidele invoked Order 12 (1) to temporarily suspend the Senate’s rules and request approval for the visitors to address the legislators.
The visitors to the Senate included key federal government officials: Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Tanimu Yakubu, Director General of the Budget Office; and Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
During the session, Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, raised a point of order, questioning the decision to admit the visitors. He argued that the Senate rule book did not classify them among the categories of individuals allowed in the chamber. Ningi cited Order 12 to highlight the relevant provisions.
In response, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified that he had invoked Order 12 (1) to suspend the Senate rules specifically to allow the visitors into the chamber. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau acknowledged Ningi’s concerns but explained that the purpose of inviting the visitors was to provide clarity on the tax reform bills and educate Nigerians to prevent misunderstandings.
Bamidele’s motion to admit the visitors was seconded by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, after which the Serjeant-at-Arms escorted the delegation into the chamber.
However, tensions escalated when Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, a former Senate Chief Whip, strongly opposed their admission. Ndume argued that the Tax Reform Bill was not listed on the Order Paper, and Senate rules did not permit discussions on unlisted matters without following proper procedures.
Ndume’s comments were dismissed as unnecessary and unhelpful.
His remarks caused tension, leading to disorder in the session. However, Barau restored calm by declaring Ndume out of order and allowing officials from the federal government to present their case.
Barau emphasized that the Senate was operating within its rules, stating, “We are not here for rhetoric; we are here for facts.”
The session became rowdy for a moment, but the Deputy Senate President intervened to maintain order. Once Ndume was ruled out of order, the government officials were permitted to address the Senate regarding the proposed tax reform bills.
The officials explained that the reform consisted of four separate bills:
- The Nigeria Tax Bill
- The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill
- The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill
- The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill
They clarified that these bills aimed to consolidate and simplify Nigeria’s tax system by organizing all taxes on individuals and companies into these four laws.
Contrary to some public concerns, the officials assured lawmakers that the reforms would significantly improve tax administration, modernize outdated laws, and streamline the country’s complex tax framework.
They stressed that the reforms would benefit low-income earners and small businesses by exempting them from paying income taxes. Describing the bills as “pro-poor, pro-growth, and pro-efficiency,” the team urged the Senate to approve the legislation to drive national development.