NBA Suspends Support For Tax Laws Over Procedural Doubts
By MELVIN KOFFA
Nigerian Bar Association Warns of Economic Risks from Controversial Tax Laws
NBA Flags Governance Concerns
IN a strongly worded statement, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the immediate suspension of Nigeria’s newly enacted Tax Reform Acts, citing concerns over the legitimacy of the legislative process. President Mazi Afam Osigwe warned that procedural irregularities surrounding the passage of the laws undermine public trust in the National Assembly and the broader democratic process.
Integrity and Transparency in Question
The NBA argued that the circumstances of the laws’ enactment strike at the core of constitutional governance. “Anything short of a transparent, accountable, and due process-driven lawmaking process weakens the foundation of lawful governance,” the association said. Legal experts within the NBA contend that unresolved doubts about legislative integrity could set dangerous precedents for future policymaking.
Economic Stability at Stake
Beyond legal concerns, the NBA highlighted significant economic risks. The uncertainty generated by the controversy threatens to unsettle business operations, complicate tax compliance, and deter investors, particularly in sectors dependent on stable and predictable policy environments. The association warned that implementing the Tax Reform Acts without resolving these questions could exacerbate economic volatility.
Recommendations for Action
To restore confidence, the NBA called for a comprehensive, transparent investigation into the enactment of the laws. The association urged relevant authorities to suspend the implementation of the Acts pending the outcome of the inquiry, emphasizing that decisive action is necessary to protect constitutional order, safeguard the economy, and reinforce the rule of law.
