Senators from the five South-East states have expressed strong support for the Tax Reform Bill. They pledged their backing during the South-East Senate Caucus meeting on Monday.

However, they emphasized the need for further consultations with key stakeholders to address grievances related to the bill. This was shared by Abia North Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu on his X handle.

Kalu noted, “The Tax Reform Bills were thoroughly deliberated during the South-East Senate Caucus today which I actively participated in. While it was agreed that the Bill should be supported, it was agreed that extensive consultations with all major stakeholders.”

The former Abia State governor previously described the bill as transformative. In an interview last week, he said it would strengthen fiscal federalism across Nigeria.

Nonetheless, Kalu criticized the federal government for excluding the National Economic Council (NEC) and Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) from consultations during the drafting stages. He added, “The federal government made a mistake. The initiators of the bills would have briefed the National Economic Council, Governors’ forum.”

Kalu also pointed out that many senators had yet to receive adequate briefings about the bill.

This call for inclusivity highlights ongoing debates as Nigeria navigates complex economic reforms.