The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concerns regarding the controversies surrounding the newly enacted Tax Reform Act, indicating that the issues raise significant doubts about the integrity and transparency of Nigeria’s legislative process.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, stated that the developments jeopardize the integrity of constitutional governance and diminish public confidence in the legislative procedures that led to the creation of these laws.
Osigwe urged for a thorough, open, and transparent investigation into the circumstances that led to the passage of the Tax Reform Act, emphasizing that such an inquiry is essential to restore public trust in the National Assembly.
The NBA also called on relevant authorities to halt the implementation of the Tax Reform Act until the investigation is completed.
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“The Nigerian Bar Association (@NigBarAssoc) believes it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive, open, and transparent investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the enactment of these laws and to restore public confidence in the legislative process.
“Until these issues are fully addressed, all plans for implementing the Tax Reform Act should be immediately suspended,” the statement noted.
The association warned that the legal and policy uncertainties stemming from this controversy could have significant repercussions, including disruption of the business environment, a decline in investor confidence, and unpredictability for individuals and businesses required to adhere to the laws.
The NBA cautioned that such uncertainty is detrimental to economic stability and inconsistent with the rule of law.
