Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has described 2025 as a defining year in Nigeria’s reform journey, saying far-reaching legislative and policy measures implemented during the year have positioned the country for full economic recovery from 2026.
In a year-end statement, Bamidele said the Senate and the National Assembly worked collaboratively with other arms of government to implement reforms across critical sectors of the economy, while maintaining their constitutionally guaranteed independence.
According to him, key milestones recorded within the 2025 financial year include the enactment of a new tax regime, the abolition of multiple budgeting practices, sustained engagement with stakeholders on the review of the 1999 Constitution, and steps aimed at recalibrating Nigeria’s electoral framework to enhance credibility and transparency.
He identified the 2025 Tax Reforms Act as the most consequential of the reforms, noting that the law is designed to establish a unified and modern tax system that will end multiple taxation from January 1, 2026.
Bamidele said the objective of the legislation is to improve the quality of life of Nigerians, particularly those at the lower end of the economic ladder, while addressing long-standing fiscal and liquidity challenges that have constrained national development.
He dismissed criticisms of the tax reform, describing them as a misrepresentation of its intent, and stressed that the law was enacted following extensive consultations with stakeholders across business, political and social sectors.
“The tax reform was not designed to impose hardship on ordinary Nigerians, but to mobilise sustainable resources for governments at all levels to deliver critical infrastructure that will drive long-term economic prosperity,” he said.
The Senate Leader urged Nigerians to study the provisions of the Tax Reforms Act and understand its objectives, noting that the reform aligns Nigeria with global best practices in modern tax administration and adopts a redistributive approach aimed at supporting the most vulnerable.
On legislative oversight, Bamidele reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to nation-building and its support for the people-centred initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while rejecting claims that the legislature operates as a rubber stamp.
He said the Senate would continue to provide guidance and oversight to other arms of government in line with the principles of checks and balances.
Bamidele also disclosed that the review of the 1999 Constitution has reached an advanced stage, with proposals expected to be transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly for consideration. He expressed optimism that the exercise would be concluded before the end of the first half of 2026, subject to approval by state legislatures, leading to the devolution of more powers to sub-national governments.
Similarly, he said the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is nearing completion and would be fast-tracked upon the resumption of plenary in January 2026 for transmission to President Tinubu for assent. The bill, he said, is aimed at strengthening the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral process.
On national security, Bamidele noted that preparations for a National Security Summit have reached a critical phase, with public hearings already concluded across the six geo-political zones. The summit is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 in Abuja and is expected to consolidate stakeholder recommendations to enhance internal security and complement ongoing federal efforts and international partnerships against violent extremism.
He further disclosed that the 2026 Appropriation Bill is currently at the committee stage, describing it as the National Assembly’s top priority. According to him, committees continued work on the budget throughout the festive period, with plenary scheduled to reconvene by January 27 to consider the outcomes of budget defence sessions.
Bamidele concluded by urging Nigerians to support government efforts at all levels, expressing confidence that the reforms initiated in 2025 would begin to yield visible economic gains in the New Year.
“Nigeria is firmly on the path to recovery. The reforms were deliberate and driven by the collective interest of the nation,” he said.