Dare Babalola
The National Assembly has directed its Clerk to re-gazette the nation’s tax laws and issue Certified True Copies of the versions passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, following allegations of alterations to the laws.
This decision was announced in a statement by the House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Rotimi, on Friday in Abuja.
The controversy surrounds four tax laws: 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.
Lawmaker Abdussamad Dasuki had raised concerns about discrepancies between the harmonized bills passed by both chambers and the versions gazetted.
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) earlier expressed serious concern over the alleged discrepancies, warning that they could undermine the supremacy of the legislature, create legal ambiguity, and erode public and investor confidence. The CITN also called for immediate verification of the contested tax Acts and prompt corrective action.
A seven-man Ad Hoc Committee was established to investigate the matter, and the National Assembly has assured the public that the issue is being addressed within its constitutional remit. The committee will work with other relevant committees and National Assembly management to establish the sequence of events.
The National Assembly’s decision to re-gazette the laws aims to authenticate and accurately reflect the legislative decisions. This administrative step is intended to clarify any discrepancies and ensure the laws accurately represent the intentions of the legislature.
In a statement, Rep. Rotimi emphasised the National Assembly’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “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,” he said.
Rotimi also assured the public that the review would not undermine the legislative authority of the National Assembly. “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,” he added.
The re-gazetting process is expected to provide clarity on the tax laws and resolve any discrepancies. The National Assembly has urged citizens to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to proceed.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to provide insight into the circumstances surrounding the discrepancies and lead to corrective measures to prevent similar issues in the future.
