IBY
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Nigerian Senate resumes plenary today, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, after its recess, with a packed legislative agenda aimed at addressing pressing national issues ranging from tax reform and national security to political reconciliation in Rivers State.
In a statement released on Monday, May 5, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (CON), outlined the priorities for the legislative arm of government as it reconvenes to continue the pursuit of its constitutional mandate.
Tax Reform Tops Legislative Agenda
The Senate’s first order of business upon resumption is the continued deliberation on the Tax Reform Bills, 2024. Senator Bamidele emphasized the urgency of the bills, noting that their passage is essential to overhaul Nigeria’s current tax regime. According to him, the reforms are aimed at enhancing the country’s revenue base and enabling federal, state, and local governments to deliver more effectively on development projects and public services.
“These reforms are critical for ensuring that government at all levels has the financial capacity to implement policies that directly impact the lives of the citizens,” Bamidele said.
Senate to Tackle Rivers State Crisis
One of the prominent issues on the Senate’s agenda is the socio-political crisis in Rivers State. The Senate leadership disclosed plans to collaborate closely with the Executive arm of government to mediate between warring political factions and facilitate reconciliation among stakeholders.
“The Senate is committed to identifying the root causes of the crisis and ensuring that all parties involved reach a resolution in the public interest,” Bamidele stated. He stressed the importance of national stability and the need to protect democratic institutions and processes.
National Security: A Renewed Focus
The recent spike in insecurity across parts of the country has also attracted the attention of the Senate. Senator Bamidele highlighted that the resurgence of violence and terrorist activities in states like Benue, Borno, Katsina, and Plateau will be a central topic of Senate deliberations. The Senate plans to engage directly with key players in the security sector to formulate effective strategies for addressing these threats.
“As the body constitutionally empowered to make laws for the peace and good governance of the federation, we will leave no stone unturned in addressing insecurity,” he said.
Presidential Appointments and Senate Screening
During the Senate’s recess, the Presidency announced a series of appointments, most notably that of Mr. Bayo Ojulari as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), along with key appointments to the South-South Development Commission.
The Senate will begin the screening and confirmation process for these nominees in line with its oversight responsibilities. Bamidele assured Nigerians that due diligence will be followed to ensure the right candidates are confirmed.
Constitution and Electoral Reforms in Focus
Senator Bamidele also confirmed that the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) will be accelerated. The process is being spearheaded by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jubrin, and is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure and promote national cohesion.
Additionally, the Senate is set to begin reviewing the Electoral Act, 2022. The proposed amendments aim to enhance the credibility and transparency of the country’s electoral process, especially in light of lessons learned from the 2023 general elections.
Strategic Bills and Public Engagement
The Senate Leader noted that several strategic bills across various sectors are currently pending before the chamber. These bills, he said, will be given expedited consideration due to their importance to national development.
In a bid to increase citizen participation in law-making, the Senate plans to encourage its standing and special committees to organize public hearings on key legislation. “This will enable Nigerians to contribute to the legislative process and help us create laws that truly reflect the will and needs of the people,” Bamidele concluded.
As the Senate resumes full legislative activities, stakeholders across the country are watching closely to see how the upper chamber addresses these critical national issues in the weeks ahead.
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