The Senate witnessed heated exchanges on Wednesday as lawmakers protested the entry of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chair Zacch Adedeji and consultants to discuss the controversial Tax Reform Bill.

The Upper Chamber had suspended its rules to admit Adedeji and his team, sparking objections from senators who argued that the matter was not on the day’s agenda. Senator Ali Ndume, citing procedural irregularities, criticised the decision to prioritise the tax bill over urgent matters. “We swear by the Bible and Koran to protect the people’s interest. Are you saying that what a senator says here is rhetoric?” Ndume asked, before being ruled out of order.

Amid the tension, some senators threatened to stage a walkout but later rescinded their decision. Moments later, Ndume demanded an apology from the Deputy Senate President for what he termed “offensive language” but was again ruled out of order.

The Tax Reform Bill, introduced by President Bola Tinubu, has faced resistance, with Northern leaders and governors opposing changes to VAT distribution. Despite calls for its withdrawal, the presidency insists that the legislative process will address stakeholders’ concerns.

The uproar underscores the contentious nature of the tax reforms, which aim to streamline Nigeria’s fiscal policy but have raised questions about equity and fairness in tax distribution.