The National Assembly in Nigeria is taking significant steps to address public concerns regarding alleged discrepancies in recently passed Tax Acts. In a pivotal move towards transparency, the NASS has announced it will make available Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the bills that were officially signed by President Bola Tinubu. This action aims to quell public apprehension and ensure that citizens have access to the accurate, verified versions of these crucial financial legislation.
Director of Information at the National Assembly, Bullah Bi-Allah, stated on Thursday that the Clerk to the National Assembly has been formally directed to release the signed tax bills, complete with their certificate pages, for public verification. This directive comes in response to reports that highlighted perceived inconsistencies between the Tax Acts as recorded in the legislature’s official proceedings and the versions later published in the gazette.
Bi-Allah acknowledged that the management had taken note of the alleged discrepancies between the votes and proceedings of the National Assembly and the gazetted versions of the passed tax acts. He emphasized that despite the widespread public interest and discussion surrounding these issues, a relatively small number of individuals have formally submitted requests for the CTCs of the harmonised bills.
All such official requests that have been processed have been attended to promptly, Bi-Allah added. The Director of Information further elaborated that the Clerk is actively collaborating with the Federal Government Printing Press. The objective is to ensure that the duly certified and assented Acts are published in strict adherence to all legal requirements and timelines.
Featured snippet paragraph: The National Assembly is releasing certified copies of signed tax bills to ensure transparency and address public concerns about alleged discrepancies between legislative proceedings and gazetted versions. This move allows for public verification of the official tax acts signed by President Bola Tinubu.
While it is the Clerk’s duty to initiate the gazetting process, the statutory responsibility for the actual printing and publication of these official documents rests with the Federal Government Printing Press. The gazettes were anticipated to be ready for distribution on Thursday, marking a swift response to the unfolding situation.
To further bolster institutional processes and prevent future occurrences, the National Assembly has resolved to conduct a thorough review of the procedures that govern the transmission and subsequent publication of legislative bills. This review is critical for reinforcing the integrity of the legislative process.
Henceforth, all bills slated for presidential assent will be meticulously routed through designated presidential liaison officers. This standardized procedure is designed to create a clearer chain of command and accountability.
Furthermore, no request for the gazetting of an Act of the National Assembly will be entertained by the printing press unless it is officially initiated by the Clerk to the National Assembly or an authorized representative. This ensures that only legitimate, procedurally sound requests move forward.
The Assembly has expressed its appreciation for the engaged interest shown by Nigerians in the legislative processes. They reiterate their unwavering commitment to upholding principles of transparency, accountability, and professionalism in all their operations.
This proactive release of certified copies is a critical step in maintaining public trust and ensuring that legislative outcomes are clear and accessible to all citizens of Nigeria.
The process of verifying the tax bills involves comparing the officially signed documents with the initial legislative records, a task now made easier with the availability of CTCs.
Understanding the details of these tax bills is crucial for businesses and individuals alike, making this transparency initiative highly valuable.
The National Assembly’s commitment to releasing these documents underscores a growing trend towards greater openness in governance.
This situation highlights the importance of accurate record-keeping and clear communication in government operations.
The public’s right to access official government documents is a cornerstone of democratic accountability, and this action supports that principle.
How to check tax bill discrepancies: Citizens can request Certified True Copies from the National Assembly to compare with gazetted versions and identify any inconsistencies, ensuring accuracy in financial legislation.
