ILLEGAL ALTERATION: National Assembly orders re-gazetting of tax reform laws, vows thorough probe of alleged alterations
The leadership of the National Assembly, under Senate President God’swill Akpabio, and Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House, has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to re-gazette the Acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions duly passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly in the interest of clarity, accuracy, and the integrity of the legislative record.
The National Assembly has ordered the re-gazetting of the tax reform laws to reflect versions it passed, amid controversy over the alleged alterations in the laws.
The leadership of the National Assembly, under Senate President God’swill Akpabio, and Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House, has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to re-gazette the Acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions duly passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly in the interest of clarity, accuracy, and the integrity of the legislative record.
The House, in a statement on Friday, said the administrative step is intended solely to authenticate and accurately reflect the legislative decisions of the National Assembly, while it continues probe into the alleged alterations.
“This review is strictly confined to institutional processes and procedures. It does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority by the House of Representatives or the Senate.
“It is undertaken without prejudice to the powers, functions, or actions of any other arm or agency of government, and without prejudice to any rights, obligations, or legal processes arising under the Constitution or any other applicable law,” the House stated.
The affected laws are: the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.
Last week, Abdussamad Dasuki, a lawmaker from Sokoto, alleged that the gazetted tax laws do not reflect the versions passed by the national assembly.
He warned that the discrepancies amounted to a breach of the constitution and could undermine the integrity of the legislature if not addressed.
Following this allegation, the House constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged alteration in the gazetted tax laws.
The Hosue has assured that the committee, working in collaboration with the Management of the National Assembly, is undertaking an institutional review to establish the sequence of events and to identify any factors that may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the legislative and administrative handling of the Acts.
“This includes a careful examination of any lapses, irregularities, or external interferences, should any be established. The review is being conducted in full conformity with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Acts Authentication Act, Cap. A4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, the Standing Orders of both Chambers, and established parliamentary practice”, it stated.
The House further assured that it is firmly committed to the principles of constitutionalism, separation of powers, due process, and the supremacy of the rule of law, adding that there will be appropriate corrective measures in accordance with the law and established parliamentary conventions where any procedural or administrative refinements are identified.
It noted recent public commentary focused on the legislative process relating to the passage, presidential assent, and publication in the Official Gazette of the Federal Government which has raised issues concerning the harmonisation of Bills passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the documentation transmitted for Presidential assent, and the versions of the Acts subsequently published in the Official Gazette.
The House urged members of the public to allow the National Assembly’s institutional processes to proceed without speculation or conjecture, while assuring that transparency, accountability, and the faithful discharge of its constitutional responsibility will guide the process.
