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Senate Announces Date For Public Hearing On Tinubu’s Controversial Tax Reform Bills
Senate has announced the date for the public hearing on Tinubu’s Controversial Tax Reform Bills.
JomogNews Nigeria reports that the Senate will commence a two-day public hearing on the four tax reform bills presented by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at improving the nation’s tax administration.
This announcement was made on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sen. Sani Musa in Abuja, who disclosed that the public hearing would take place on February 24 and February 25.
Following an extensive debate on the House floor, the Nigerian House of Representatives had passed the four tax reform bills for a second reading.
“We intend to address two of the bills each day of the session to keep the press fully informed about our intentions,” Sen. Musa explained.
The four bills under consideration are the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill; Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill; and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. According to Sen. Musa, these bills will significantly overhaul the country’s tax administration and revenue generation, with many provisions being landmark in nature.
He added that the bills would elevate Nigeria to the level of advanced economies, ensuring adequate funding for infrastructure, education, agriculture, and other sectors of the economy.
Sen. Musa noted that committee members had thoroughly studied the bills and engaged with various stakeholders before deciding to hold the public hearing. He expressed confidence that the hearing would proceed smoothly and emphasized that President Bola Tinubu had assured there would be no interference in the tax reform process.
“It is our duty as legislators to do what is necessary for the good of this country. We represent different tribes, religions, and regions, but we are all Nigerians. Our goal is to enact laws that will put us on track economically. By the grace of God, we will succeed,” Sen. Musa stated.
The public hearing will invite several key figures, including the Federal Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, the Minister of Trade and Investment, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Additionally, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, and the Statistician-General of the Federation will also be invited to provide their submissions.
Sen. Musa assured that the National Assembly would ultimately produce tax administration legislation that would be acceptable to Nigerians.
Recall that last week, following a debate lasting over four hours, the bills were passed for a second reading when put to a vote by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
The bills were then referred to the House Committee on Finance for further legislative action.
The tax reform bills, drafted by the Presidential Committee on Tax Reforms and Fiscal Policy, aim to overhaul Nigeria’s existing tax laws.
However, the bills have faced opposition, primarily from northern governors who have labeled them as “anti-North.”
The debates have escalated into a North vs. South issue, particularly over the VAT sharing formula.
The National Economic Council (NEC), composed of governors and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged the president to withdraw the bills for further consultations.
Nonetheless, President Tinubu insisted that all concerns be addressed in the National Assembly.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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