The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is scheduled to meet with the Senate today (Thursday) to discuss the contentious Tax Reform Bills submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly. The key focus of the meeting will be to address the concerns and opposition surrounding the bills, especially from Northern stakeholders who have raised significant issues with the proposed reforms.
In light of the criticism surrounding the Tax Reform Bills, President Bola Tinubu has called for calm and instructed the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to work closely with the National Assembly to address the contentious elements of the legislation.
Acting on the President’s directive, the Senate set up a special panel to engage with the AGF. However, progress has been slow due to delays in finalizing the panel’s membership and internal caucus discussions within the Senate.
A source familiar with the ongoing developments confirmed to The PUNCH on Wednesday night that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) will meet with the Senate today to discuss the Tax Reform Bills.
“The AGF will be at the National Assembly tomorrow, December 19, for the tax reform bill meeting,” the source said, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to a lack of authorization to comment publicly.
Senator Abba Moro, Chairman of the Senate Special Committee, also confirmed that both the AGF and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, would be in attendance. “The committee has invited the FIRS Chairman and the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice,” Moro stated.
Two weeks ago, the Senate established the Moro-led committee to collaborate with the AGF in addressing the contentious aspects of the Tax Reform Bills. The committee includes Senators Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central), Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Titus Zam (APC, Benue South), Abdullahi Yahaya (PDP, Kebbi North), Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West), Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East), and Kaka Shehu, SAN (APC, Borno Central), although Shehu has since declined membership.