The National Assembly has ordered the immediate re-gazetting of Nigeria’s newly passed tax laws following serious allegations that versions currently in circulation were altered after legislative approval, a development that has triggered public concern and constitutional scrutiny.
The directive was confirmed in Abuja on Friday by the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, who said the Clerk to the National Assembly has been instructed to issue fresh Certified True Copies of the tax reform Acts exactly as passed by both chambers. The move is aimed at restoring confidence in the legislative process and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s lawmaking system.
The controversy erupted two weeks ago when a lawmaker from Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, raised an alarm on the floor of the House, alleging that the tax reform laws signed by the President differed materially from copies circulating at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. Dasuki warned that the discrepancies posed grave legal and constitutional risks, stressing that any post-passage alterations without parliamentary approval could undermine democratic governance.
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In response, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, swiftly constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee chaired by Muktar Betara to investigate the claims and establish how the discrepancies occurred. According to Rotimi, the committee is working alongside relevant National Assembly committees and management to trace the legislative trail from harmonisation to presidential assent and eventual gazetting.
Rotimi explained that public debate has centred on 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. He noted that concerns have been raised about harmonisation procedures, documentation forwarded for presidential assent, and the versions ultimately published in the official Federal Government Gazette.
He assured Nigerians that the matter is being handled strictly within the constitutional and statutory authority of the National Assembly, adding that the institutional review is examining possible lapses, irregularities, or external interference, if any are found. The review, he said, is being conducted in line with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, standing orders of both chambers, and established parliamentary practice.
As part of corrective administrative measures, the leadership of the National Assembly, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Abbas, approved the re-gazetting of the Acts to accurately reflect the decisions of lawmakers. Rotimi stressed that this step is meant solely to authenticate the official legislative record and does not amount to an admission of legislative failure or defect.
The House also urged Nigerians to avoid speculation while investigations are ongoing, reiterating its commitment to transparency, due process, and the supremacy of the rule of law. According to the statement, any procedural gaps identified during the review will be addressed promptly and lawfully to strengthen parliamentary processes.
The unfolding situation has heightened national attention on tax reforms and legislative accountability, with analysts warning that unresolved discrepancies could expose the laws to legal challenges and delay implementation. As the review continues, all eyes remain on the National Assembly to deliver clarity and restore public trust.
