Senate resumes Tuesday, prioritises Rivers reconciliation, security, tax reforms

The Senate resumes plenary today, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to continue its legislative mandate and address pressing national issues.

Top on the agenda is the further consideration of the 2024 Tax Reform Bills. Their passage is critical to overhauling Nigeria’s tax regime and boosting revenue generation across all tiers of government to enable better delivery of democratic dividends.

These were contained in a statement by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Leader of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to the statement, the Senate is also set to collaborate with the Executive to address lingering socio-political tensions nationwide, especially the ongoing crisis in Rivers State. The goal is to foster reconciliation among all stakeholders and address the root causes of the conflict in the collective interest of the public.

The rising insecurity in Benue, Borno, Katsina, Plateau, and other states is of grave concern. As the nation’s foremost lawmaking body, the Senate will intensify its engagement with security agencies to devise more effective strategies for restoring peace and ending terrorism.

During the recess, the Presidency made key appointments, including the new Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, and the management of the South-South Development Commission. The Senate will begin the screening of these presidential nominees and others whose appointments require legislative confirmation.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Constitution Review process, led by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, will be accelerated to strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure. Similarly, the Senate will commence the review of the Electoral Act, 2022, to ensure more transparent and credible elections.

A number of critical bills across various sectors remain pending. The Senate will fast-track their consideration and passage while encouraging its standing and special committees to host public hearings for greater citizen participation in the legislative process.