Strong backing has continued to build around the leadership of the National Assembly over its handling of concerns surrounding Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws. More than 100 civil society organisations (CSOs), led by the Parliamentary Support and Advocacy Network (PSAN) and the Civil Rights Situation Room on Economic Reforms, have publicly endorsed the House of Representatives’ approach to reviewing the legislation.
The endorsement comes amid growing public debate over allegations of discrepancies between the versions of the tax laws passed by lawmakers and those subsequently gazetted for public reference.
Landmark Laws Under Review
The tax reform package under scrutiny comprises four major statutes: 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. Together, the laws represent a far-reaching overhaul of Nigeria’s fiscal and tax administration framework.
Passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu earlier in 2025, the reforms are designed to simplify tax processes, boost revenue generation and improve the investment climate. The laws are scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.
CSOs Commend Legislative Leadership
At a press conference in Abuja, convener of PSAN and other allied groups, Ogiri John, said the coalition was satisfied with the response of the National Assembly leadership to public concerns raised about the legislation.
He described the actions of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate as “measured, constitutionally grounded, and institutionally exemplary,” noting that the approach reflected respect for democratic principles and parliamentary procedure.
According to the coalition, the steps taken by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the Senate leadership are consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Acts Authentication Act and established legislative rules.
“This is not an admission of any deficiency, nor an erosion of authority,” the groups said, stressing that the decision to re-gazette the laws represents the responsible exercise of institutional oversight.
Transparency and Public Confidence
The CSOs also praised the directive issued to the Clerk of the National Assembly to facilitate the re-gazetting of the Acts and make Certified True Copies available to the public upon request. They described the move as critical to enhancing transparency and restoring public confidence in the law-making process.
John emphasised the far-reaching implications of the reforms, noting that the laws would shape Nigeria’s fiscal structure, revenue mobilisation strategy and prospects for inclusive economic growth.
“The stakes are profound,” he said, adding that precision and certainty in lawmaking are essential to strengthening institutions rather than weakening them.
The coalition appealed to Nigerians and other stakeholders to allow the constitutional review process to run its course, reaffirming its support for economic reforms anchored on the rule of law and institutional integrity.
The Patriots Reject Suspension Calls
In a related development, another civic group, The Patriots, also endorsed the National Assembly’s decision to order the re-gazetting of the tax reform laws. The group dismissed calls for suspension, repeal or re-enactment of the Acts as unnecessary and constitutionally unsound.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Muhammad Dauda, The Patriots argued that the Votes and Proceedings of May 28, 2025, from both chambers of the National Assembly constitute the authoritative record of what lawmakers approved.
The group said it had reviewed the harmonised Acts, conference reports and parliamentary records and found no material discrepancies. It added that gazetting is an administrative function meant to notify the public of laws already enacted and does not grant authority to alter legislation.
According to the group, any administrative irregularity cannot override duly passed Acts of Parliament, and allegations of alteration must be proven through appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms.
Call to Uphold Parliamentary Authority
The Patriots agreed with the National Assembly leadership that re-gazetting the laws in line with official parliamentary records is the proper and lawful remedy. They warned that suspending implementation or reopening the legislative process could create unnecessary legal and fiscal uncertainty.
The group also welcomed the decision to issue Certified True Copies of the Acts to interested members of the public, saying it would promote legal clarity and strengthen confidence in democratic institutions.
They urged Nigerians to respect parliamentary records, support the re-gazetting process and avoid narratives that could undermine the authority of the legislature as debate over the tax reforms continues.
Tax Reform Controversy: House Minority Caucus Urges Suspension Pending Probe
Concerns over Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws have deepened, with the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives calling for the suspension of their implementation until investigations by the National Assembly are concluded.
The caucus made the appeal in a statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa; Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki; and Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi.
Allegations of Alteration Spark Probe
According to the minority lawmakers, the controversy surrounding the tax reforms has generated widespread concern, particularly due to allegations that the laws may have been unlawfully altered after being duly passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
The caucus noted that while public debate over the reforms might ordinarily have been dismissed as unnecessary, the seriousness of the accusations has made the situation one of national importance.
They recalled that the matter was raised during a recent plenary session of the House, prompting the inauguration of a committee to investigate claims that the tax laws were “fraudulently altered” before being gazetted and circulated to the public.
Minority Caucus Pledges Oversight
Reaffirming its commitment to legislative integrity, the caucus assured Nigerians that it would support efforts to uncover the truth behind the allegations and ensure accountability.
The lawmakers emphasised that the National Assembly remains the custodian of all authentic laws of the federation, explaining that the gazetting process begins with the Clerk to the National Assembly transmitting the duly passed copies to the appropriate government agency.
They stressed that ensuring the authenticity of the laws was essential to protecting democratic governance and maintaining public trust in the legislature.
Warning Against Circulation of “Fake” Laws
The minority caucus cautioned Nigerians against relying on any versions of the tax laws that do not bear the signatures of the Clerk to the National Assembly and the President.
According to the lawmakers, the circulation of unauthenticated laws constitutes an attack on the independence and constitutional role of the National Assembly, and must be resisted in the interest of democracy.
Appeal for Suspension and Certainty
In light of the ongoing investigation, the caucus formally called on the federal government to suspend the implementation of the tax laws until clarity and legal certainty are restored.
They also appealed to President Tinubu to demonstrate responsiveness by heeding the call, noting that citizens and the business community are entitled to clear, authentic copies of the laws they are expected to obey.
The caucus concluded that suspending implementation pending the outcome of the investigation would help prevent confusion, protect institutional credibility and reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes.