Senate Drama: Sani Musa Stuck on ‘Harmonize’

The Nigerian Senate experienced a light moment of drama on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, when Senator Sani Musa of Niger East struggled to define the word “harmonize” during a plenary session centered on tax reform legislation.

The session was part of a crucial debate on the harmonized version of four tax reform bills, which aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax policies across multiple agencies.

As the lawmakers deliberated on the bills, Senator Musa was asked to clarify the meaning of “harmonize,” a term key to understanding the coordinated implementation of the reforms.

Caught off guard, Senator Musa hesitated and gave a circular response, humorously stating, “To harmonize is… uh… to harmonize,” eliciting laughter and murmurs from colleagues in the chamber.

The moment briefly lightened the mood in an otherwise intense legislative session.

The incident, which was captured on video and quickly circulated on social media, has sparked discussions about the level of preparedness and clarity among some lawmakers, especially when addressing complex national issues.

Observers argue that while the moment was humorous, it highlights the urgent need for legislators to be well-versed in the terminology and details of the bills they debate, ensuring informed policy decisions that can impact Nigeria’s economic future.

As Nigeria continues to pursue key reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, clarity and competence in the Senate remain essential to foster public confidence and effective governance.