After weeks of recess, the Nigerian Senate is back in session tomorrow, Tuesday, May 6th, with a heavy agenda aimed at addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges—from political tension in Rivers State to deep-rooted insecurity and the long-awaited tax reforms.
Kicking off deliberations is the 2024 Tax Reform Bill. According to Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, its passage is crucial to reshaping the country’s tax structure and boosting national revenue. The aim? To ensure that federal, state, and local governments can actually deliver on their promises to the people.
But it’s not just numbers and policy on the floor. The Senate is wading into the deep waters of the Rivers State political crisis. With tensions high and factions entrenched, the upper chamber plans to engage stakeholders across the board to resolve conflicts and chart a path toward reconciliation. “The interest of the public must override political egos,” Bamidele emphasized.
Rising insecurity in Benue, Borno, Katsina, and Plateau has also pushed national security to the top of the legislative agenda. The Senate says it will move quickly to engage security chiefs and roll out a coordinated response to halt the disturbing trend of violence.
Meanwhile, the red chamber will begin screening new presidential nominees, including Mr. Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Managing Director of NNPCL and executives for the South-South Development Commission—key appointments that could influence Nigeria’s economic and regional direction.
Constitutional and electoral reforms are also back on the table. The Senate says it’s speeding up the review of the 1999 Constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act to strengthen the country’s federal structure and improve future elections.
Pending bills on critical sectors are expected to be prioritised as well. Committees have been urged to fast-track public hearings and consult citizens widely.
As the Senate reconvenes, the tone is clear: the work ahead is demanding, the stakes are high, and the spotlight is on lawmakers to deliver.
