Alleged Tampering Rocks Tax Reforms as National Assembly Orders Re-Gazetting of Laws

Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform drive has been thrown into fresh controversy following an order by the National Assembly for the re-gazetting of recently assented tax laws amid allegations that the versions published by the Federal Government were altered after being passed by lawmakers. The directive, which was announced on Friday, has sparked intense debate in political and legal circles, raising questions about legislative integrity, executive overreach, and the credibility of the lawmaking process at a time when the country is seeking to stabilise its economy.

The controversy began after Abdusammad Dasuki, a member of the House of Representatives from Sokoto State, raised alarm that the tax reform bills transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent were not the same as the versions later published in the Federal Government’s Official Gazette. According to Dasuki, certain provisions appeared to have been modified, omitted, or reworded in ways that did not reflect the resolutions of both chambers of the National Assembly. He described the alleged alterations as a serious breach of legislative privilege and a direct affront to the authority of parliament.

Dasuki’s claims quickly gained traction within the National Assembly, prompting internal reviews and consultations among lawmakers across party lines. The issue was treated with urgency, given the far-reaching implications of tax legislation for government revenue, businesses, and ordinary Nigerians already grappling with inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. Lawmakers expressed concern that if such alterations were allowed to stand without challenge, it could set a dangerous precedent capable of undermining democratic governance.

In response to the allegations, the leadership of the National Assembly moved swiftly to assert its authority. In a statement released by the House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Alabi, it was disclosed that the leadership of the National Assembly, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House Abbas Tajudeen, had directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to re-gazette the affected Acts. The directive also includes the issuance of Certified True Copies of the versions duly debated, amended, and passed by both chambers.

According to Alabi, the decision was taken to preserve the sanctity of the legislative process and to ensure that the laws in force are exactly as approved by elected representatives of the people. He stressed that the National Assembly would not tolerate any action that compromises its constitutional role or misrepresents its resolutions, regardless of where such actions originate. The re-gazetting, he explained, is intended to correct the public record and eliminate any confusion regarding the authentic versions of the laws.

The alleged discrepancies have not been officially detailed, but sources within the legislature suggest that they involve sensitive provisions relating to tax administration, enforcement powers, and revenue allocation. Such provisions are often contentious, as they affect federal and state relations, private sector compliance, and the cost of doing business. Any unilateral modification, lawmakers argue, could significantly alter the intent and impact of the legislation.

The presidency has yet to issue a detailed response to the allegations, though officials familiar with the process insist that the executive has no interest in undermining the National Assembly. They argue that errors can sometimes arise during the harmonisation and gazetting process, particularly when multiple amendments are involved, and that such issues can be resolved through institutional collaboration rather than public confrontation. Nevertheless, the silence from the executive branch has done little to calm suspicions among critics.

Legal experts say the matter raises important constitutional questions. Under Nigeria’s legal framework, once a bill is passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the president, the version signed into law must be identical to the one approved by lawmakers. Any material difference, they argue, could expose the law to legal challenges and potentially render affected provisions invalid. Some senior lawyers have warned that if businesses or individuals are taxed based on altered provisions, it could trigger a wave of litigation against the government.

Civil society groups have also weighed in, calling for transparency and accountability. Several organisations have urged the National Assembly to publish both the versions it passed and the versions initially gazetted, to allow Nigerians to see exactly where the differences lie. They argue that openness is essential to restoring public trust, especially at a time when citizens are being asked to bear the burden of economic reforms through higher taxes and reduced subsidies.

The incident has further intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s tax reform agenda, which the Tinubu administration has promoted as a cornerstone of its economic recovery plan. The reforms are aimed at expanding the tax base, improving collection efficiency, and reducing reliance on borrowing. While many economists agree that tax reform is necessary, the current controversy risks overshadowing those objectives and fuelling public skepticism.

Within the National Assembly, there are indications that lawmakers may push for additional safeguards to prevent a recurrence of such disputes. Some members have proposed stricter verification procedures before bills are transmitted for assent, as well as closer oversight of the gazetting process. Others are calling for clearer penalties if it is established that any official deliberately altered legislative texts.

For now, the re-gazetting order stands as a strong assertion of legislative authority. By directing the issuance of Certified True Copies, the National Assembly is seeking to establish a definitive reference point for the tax laws in question. Lawmakers believe this step will not only clarify the legal position but also send a message that the integrity of parliament cannot be compromised.

As Nigerians await further clarification from the presidency, the episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of power between the executive and legislative arms of government. In a democracy, that balance depends on mutual respect for constitutional roles and processes. Whether the current dispute will lead to institutional reforms or deepen tensions remains to be seen, but its outcome will likely shape public confidence in Nigeria’s lawmaking process for years to come.