The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has clarified why the Senate passed President Bola Tinubu's controversial tax reform bills for a second reading. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Jibrin explained that the move was intended to provide an opportunity for experts and the general public to contribute their views on the bills.
Last month, President Tinubu submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly, sparking widespread debate. Northern governors and various stakeholders had expressed opposition to the proposed reforms. Despite this, the Senate approved the bills for a second reading on Thursday through voice votes.
Jibrin emphasized that allowing the bills to progress would facilitate broader public engagement and expert analysis, ensuring a comprehensive review of their potential impacts.