6th May, 2025
BUSINESS OF THE DAY
The Senate convened its plenary session at 11:58 a.m., presided over by the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON. The session commenced with the recitation of the National Anthem, followed by prayers. The Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, 27th March 2025 were read and duly adopted. Several petitions were laid, and announcements were made. The Senate President also delivered a welcome address, marking the end of the five-week Eid-el-Fitr and Easter recess.
Presentation of Bills for First Reading:
- Federal Medical Centers Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 642)
- Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB
1593)
- National Institute of Irrigation (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB 766)
- National Maritime Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB 770)
- Armed Forces Trust (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB 773)
Motion:
1. National Tragedies in Edo and Gombe States
Two motions were moved in response to recent tragic events:
- Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South) highlighted the killing of 16 hunters in Uromi, Edo State,an incident described as a gruesome and regrettable case of mistaken identity, where the victims were reportedly ambushed and executed without verification.
- Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro (Gombe South) decried the tragic deaths of at least six Easter worshippers in Gombe State, caused by a truck driver who rammed into a peaceful procession.
The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the departed souls and called on security agencies, the FRSC, and relevant government bodies to intensify efforts to prevent such occurrences. Lawmakers also appealed to the government and well-meaning Nigerians to support the victims’ families during this period of grief.
2. Motion on National Security Summit
A motion titled “Urgent Need for a National Security Summit”, sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) and co-sponsored by Senators Titus Zam Tartenger (Benue North-West), Onyeka Peter Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North), and Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), was adopted by the Senate.
The motion seeks to convene a two-day national security summit in Abuja, with participation from:
- Federal, state, and local governments
- Traditional institutions
- Civil society organizations
- Security agencies
The summit aims to develop actionable recommendations to curb the rising spate of killings, kidnappings, and insecurity nationwide. Each Senator is expected to engage constituents in all 109 senatorial districts to amplify the summit’s outcomes.
2. Motion on National Security Summit
A motion titled “Urgent Need for a National Security Summit”, sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) and co-sponsored by Senators Titus Zam Tartenger (Benue North-West), Onyeka Peter Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North), and Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), was adopted by the Senate.
The motion seeks to convene a two-day national security summit in Abuja, with participation from:
- Federal, state, and local governments
- Traditional institutions
- Civil society organizations
- Security agencies
The summit aims to develop actionable recommendations to curb the rising spate of killings, kidnappings, and insecurity nationwide. Each Senator is expected to engage constituents in all 109 senatorial districts to amplify the summit’s outcomes.
Senate President Akpabio, in his remarks, stressed that the summit would involve delegates from affected communities, traditional rulers, and student unions to ensure an inclusive and holistic approach, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility.
Adjournment
Following deliberations, the Senate suspended the remaining agenda and adjourned plenary to Wednesday, 7th May 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
7th May, 2025
BUSINESS OF THE DAY
The Nigerian Senate convened its plenary session at 12:17 p.m., presided over by the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON. The session began with the recitation of the National Anthem and prayers, followed by the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 6th May, 2025. Several petitions were laid, and announcements were made.
Order of the Day: Consideration of Report on Tax Reform Bills:
The Senate considered the report of its Committee on Finance, presented by the Chairman, Senator Sani Musa. The report focused on four critical Tax Reform Bills, part of the fiscal transformation agenda transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2024:
- Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 583)
- Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 584)
- Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2025 (SB. 585)
- Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025 (SB. 586)
Key Highlights from the Report:
1. Value Added Tax (VAT) Sharing Formula:
- States: 50% (equality), 20% (population), 30% (place of consumption)
- Local Governments: 70% (equality), 30% (population)
- Federal Government: 10%
- States & FCT: 55%
- Local Governments: 35%
2. Statutory Allocations Proposed:
- TETFund: 10%
- NASENI: 10%
- NITDA: 10%
- Cybersecurity: 5%
- Security and Defence: 10%
3. Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Failure to register. N100,000 (initial), N50,000 (monthly)
- Failure to file returns: N200,000 (initial), N50,000 (monthly)
- Failure to keep records: N10,000 (individuals), N100,000 (companies)
- Failure to remit taxes: May attract imprisonment
Senator Musa asserted that the reforms aim to simplify tax compliance, boost economic activity, and enhance investor confidence. He described the bills as “key instruments for fiscal transformation and national development.”
Debate and Passage
During an intense debate, the Senate passed two out of the four Tax Reform Bills by majority voice vote:
- Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025
- Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2025
The remaining two bills: The Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025 and The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025-are scheduled for consideration on Thursday, 8th May,
Senate President Akpabio, in closing remarks, noted:
“These bills will add immense value to governance and transform how taxes are collected and shared in Nigeria. They will modernize the country’s revenue system and address public concerns that the bills were sectional or discriminatory.”
Adjournment
The Senate adjourned plenary to reconvene on Thursday, 8th May, 2025, at 11:00a.m., while other legislative activities continue.
8th May, 2025
BUSINESS OF THE DAY
The Senate convened its plenary session at 12:17 p.m., presided over by the President of the Senate, Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON. The session commenced with the recitation of the National Anthem and opening prayers, followed by the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, 6th February, 2025. During the session, oaths were administered, petitions were laid, and announcements were made.
Order of the Day
Valedictory Session in Honour of Late Senator Edwin Opara Clark, CFR, CON
The Senate held a valedictory session in honour of the late Senator Chief Edwin Opara Clark, CFR, CON (25th May, 1927 – 17th February, 2025). The motion was moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), who called on the Senate to pay tribute to the distinguished elder statesman. Members of the Clark family were introduced, and Distinguished Senators delivered glowing tributes, celebrating the life and legacy of the late national figure.
Consideration of Committee Report on Tax Reform Bills
The Senate resumed consideration of the Report of the Senate Committee on Finance on the remaining two Tax Reform Bills, presented by the Committee Chairman, Senator Sani Musa (Niger East):
- Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025 (SB. 586)
- Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 583)
The bills were debated extensively in the Committee of the Whole, and their provisions were considered clause-by-clause. Following the deliberations, the President of the Senate put the bills to a voice vote, and they were overwhelmingly supported and passed on third reading.
Harmonization Committee Constituted
Subsequently, the Senate President announced the formation of a 15-member Conference Committee to harmonize the Senate’s versions of the Tax Reform Bills with those passed by the House of Representatives.
Members of the harmonization committee include:
- Sen. Abba Moro – Minority Leader
- Sen. Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara)
- Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia)
- Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi)
- Sen. Sani Musa (Niger)
- Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos)
- Sen. Joel-Thomas Onowakpo (Delta)
- Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River)
- Sen. Jimi Kuta (Taraba)
- Sen. Gbenga Daniel (Ogun)
- Sen. Osita Izunaso (Imo)
- Sen. Solomon Adeola (Ogun)
- Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (Edo)
- Sen. Hussaini Babangida (Jigawa)
- Sen. Tahir Monguno (Borno)
Adjournment
Following the successful passage of the Tax Reform Bills and the constitution of the harmonization committee, the Senate adjourned plenary to Tuesday, 13th May, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., while legislative activities continue at the committee level.
