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The National Assembly has ordered the re-gazetting of four key tax reform laws following public controversy over alleged alterations to the Acts after their passage. Lawmakers stressed that the move is purely administrative and aimed at protecting the integrity of the legislative process.
In a statement issued on Friday, December 26, the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, said the leadership of both chambers had directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to re-gazette the affected laws and issue Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the versions “duly passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.”
The decision follows growing public debate surrounding the passage, presidential assent, and publication in the Federal Government’s Official Gazette of 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.
According to the House, the concerns centre on discrepancies allegedly arising from the harmonisation of Bills passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the documents forwarded for presidential assent, and the versions later published in the Official Gazette.
Rotimi assured the public that the matter is being handled strictly within the constitutional and statutory authority of the National Assembly.
To address the issue, he disclosed that the House had set up a seven-member ad hoc committee after the matter was raised on the floor through a point of order. The committee, working alongside relevant standing committees and the management of the National Assembly, is conducting an internal review to determine the sequence of events and identify any factors that may have led to the controversy.
The review, Rotimi said, would involve a detailed examination of any lapses, irregularities, or possible external interference, should any be established. He added that the process is being guided by the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, the Standing Orders of both chambers, and established parliamentary procedures.
He further explained that the leadership of the National Assembly, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House Abbas Tajudeen, ordered the re-gazetting exercise to eliminate any ambiguity surrounding the laws.
“This administrative step is intended solely to authenticate and accurately reflect the legislative decisions of the National Assembly,” the statement noted.
The House emphasised that the ongoing review does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing and is limited to institutional processes and procedures. It added that the action would not affect the powers of any arm of government or alter existing rights, obligations, or legal proceedings under the laws.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the House said it remains dedicated to constitutionalism, separation of powers, due process, and the rule of law, adding that any necessary corrective actions would be taken in line with established parliamentary conventions.
The House also appealed to the public to remain patient and allow internal processes to conclude, assuring that further updates would be provided as the review progresses.
