Akpabio Stands Firm: Tax Reform Bills Are Not “Adulterated”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cleared the air regarding the controversy surrounding the new set of tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly. Addressing concerns from various stakeholders and segments of the public, Akpabio insisted that the proposed laws have not been “adulterated” or tampered with to favor specific interests.

The Senate President emphasized that the legislative process is designed to be transparent and rigorous. He reassured Nigerians that the bills—which aim to streamline tax administration and boost fiscal efficiency—remain aligned with the original executive intent while undergoing standard democratic scrutiny.

For a tax bill to become law, it must pass through several transparent stages. This process ensures that by the time a bill reaches the President’s desk, it has been vetted for both technical accuracy and public impact.

Despite the assurance from the Senate leadership, some regional leaders and interest groups remain cautious, particularly regarding the Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution models. Akpabio’s latest statement serves as a strategic move to build trust and signal that the National Assembly is acting as a neutral arbiter in the nation’s fiscal evolution.

The Senate is committed to the Nigerian people. We are not here to adulterate laws; we are here to refine them for the common good.” — Senate President Godswill Akpabio