Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the National Assembly approved President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills in the interest of the country, despite facing stiff regional and political resistance.

Akpabio, in a statement by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, on Wednesday, said the tax bills were passed following extensive negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and transparent deliberations that prioritised national development over partisan or regional sentiments.

The approved legislation include the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill—all part of President Tinubu’s fiscal reform agenda under the Renewed Hope initiative.

The bills were first submitted to the National Assembly in November 2024 and were adopted by the Senate last week after months of debate.

Akpabio said, “These bills are foundational to the president’s economic reforms.

“When signed into law, they will strengthen Nigeria’s revenue generation and overhaul tax administration to better reflect equity and efficiency.”

Akpabio revealed that initial proposals, such as the plan to allow tax-generating states to retain 60 per cent of Value Added Tax revenues, sparked stiff opposition, particularly from northern lawmakers who feared the move would be an economic disadvantage to their region.

The Senate eventually negotiated a compromise, reducing the retention rate to 30 per cent and replacing the term “derivation” with “place of consumption” to reach consensus.

The bills also faced resistance from state governors and internal divisions within the National Assembly.

Akpabio also commended his colleagues in both chambers of the National Assembly for their support, particularly Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, whom he praised for mobilising support among younger legislators.

Furthermore, state governors who had initially opposed the bills were acknowledged for eventually embracing the revised proposals.

Akpabio said, “Their eventual cooperation was a game changer.

“By calming tensions in their regions and supporting the amendments, the governors paved the way for a broader stakeholder buy-in.”

Akpabio maintained that the legislative process was diligent and inclusive, featuring open public hearings and stakeholder participation.

The bills are now set to be transmitted to the president for assent.

“With two years left in President Tinubu’s tenure, this development marks a critical step forward.

“It’s time to give credit to those who made this possible,” the Senate President said.