Tax Reform Controversy: National Assembly Publishes Official Acts

NIGERIA’S tax reform agenda hit turbulent waters Saturday as the House of Representatives moved to dispel allegations that the executive branch published modified versions of tax reform laws after parliamentary approval.

House spokesperson Akin Rotimi announced the public release of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the four tax reform Acts signed by President Bola Tinubu, following direct instructions from Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and alignment with Senate leadership.

Trigger: A Motion That Shook Public Confidence

The alarm was set off when Abdulsamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto) claimed on the House floor that the gazetted copies of the tax Acts differed from the Bills passed by the legislature. His warning that the integrity of the laws could be compromised struck a nerve nationally, forcing lawmakers to confront accusations of possible document tampering.

Investigative Committee Still Active

To track the origin and credibility of the claims, the Speaker launched an ad hoc investigative panel chaired by Aliyu Betara. The committee continues its probe into the spread of conflicting documents, while the House simultaneously authorised publication of certified versions to eliminate ambiguity.

Legislative Reform Intent vs Trust Deficit

The House defended the reform process, describing it as inclusive and evidence-driven, involving stakeholder consultations, committee scrutiny, clause-by-clause debates, and plenary votes before presidential assent.

However, analysts note that the episode exposes a broader governance challenge — a public trust deficit where citizens now instinctively question official gazettes unless backed by legislative certification.

Assembly’s Position

• The certified copies are the only authoritative versions.

• Any other copies in circulation lack constitutional legitimacy.

• The Clerk has harmonised the documents with the Government Printing Press to ensure conformity.

• Hard copies are now publicly accessible for verification.

The House concluded by reaffirming its commitment to transparency, constitutional order, and institutional discipline, pledging stronger internal controls over parliamentary records.