President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has said that the National Assembly invited experts to provide insights on the proposed tax reform, ensuring that lawmakers are properly informed about its potential economic and social implications.

Akpabio stated this when he received the leadership of the Association of Nigeria Delta Monarchs of Nigeria (ANDMON), Captain Okurakpot in his office on Wednesday.

In his remarks, Akpabio emphasised the importance of educating the public on contentious bills, particularly the tax reforms, which have sparked concerns. He thanked the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, for overseeing the hearing with experts earlier in the day and commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, for similar efforts in engaging experts on the tax reforms last week. Akpabio expressed confidence that, following these consultations, those with reservations about the bill would be more supportive.

Part of the statement reads: “I thank our royal fathers for coming here to see what we are doing to make Nigeria a better place for all of us. I also thank you for using your positions and influence to maintain peace in the Niger Delta region, which has equally led to an increase in oil production.

“Before now, our inability to meet up with OPEC quota was largely due to militancy in the area, which also led to oil producing companies leaving the region after making a lot of profits. This should not be allowed to continue again.”

While stressing the need for robust policies to prevent oil pollution and environmental degradation in future oil exploration areas, he said”government is very committed to the clean up of Ogoniland and completion of the East-West road for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta region.”

Earlier, Captain Okurakpot, thanked Akpabio for receiving them saying, “We are here to declare our support for your leadership of the National Assembly and to also tell you that we are happy and well pleased with your achievements as the Senate President. Meeting you today has afforded us the opportunity to rub minds with the Federal Government through your office.

” We want us to be seen as partners in progress in tackling insecurity in the oil producing area, through collaborations in the Petroleum sector, which would ensure employment opportunities for our teeming youths, thereby stopping them from criminal activities.

“As an association with offshore connections and sponsorships, we are well positioned to assist the government in the area of oil production, solar and wind electrical installations, intended to maintain peace in the oil producing region because government cannot do everything for its citizens.”