Debates on the tax reform bills by the House of Representatives has postponed indefinitely, it was learned.
The green chamber has scheduled next week for debates on the controversial bills, but later postponed it because of the heat the bills generated in some sections of the country.
President Bola Tinubu transmitted the bills to the National Assembly on September 3 for consent.
The bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
Last week, the bills passed second reading at the senate — but not without serious controversy.
The House of Representatives couldn’t pass it due to heated debates and disagreements by the lawmakers.
The green chamber adjourned to December 3, reportedly to allow interface with the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele.
However, an internal memo dated November 30, and signed by the clerk of the House Representatives, Yahaya Danzaria, said the special session has been postponed indefinitely.
Titled, “Rescheduling of Special Session on Tax Reform Bills,” the memo reads thus: “I am directed by the House leadership to inform all Honourable Members that the Special Session, initially scheduled for Tuesday, 3rd December, 2024, to discuss all the Tax Reform Bills, has been postponed to a later date.
“This rescheduling is due to the need for further and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders.
“A new date and venue for the session will be communicated in due course. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding”.
The bills have generated serious opposition from the Northern Governors Forum, Traditional Rulers Council, National Economic Council, Northern Elders Forum.
The National Economic Council, comprising the vice president and governors, had advised President Tinubu to withdraw the bills and allow further consultations.
