Nigeria’s National Assembly has ordered the immediate provision of certified true copies of recently enacted tax reform laws to the public and stakeholders upon request. This directive follows widespread concerns and allegations that certain provisions within the tax legislation may have been altered after their passage by lawmakers and subsequent presidential assent. The move aims to address public apprehension and ensure transparency in the legislative process.

In a statement released Friday from Abuja, the Senate’s Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, confirmed that the Assembly has also launched an investigation into these alleged discrepancies. The tax laws in question include the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025. The investigation seeks to clarify the versions of these Acts as they were approved by the legislature and assented to by the President, compared to those published in the Official Gazette.

Public scrutiny intensified over the harmonization of bills between the two legislative chambers, the President’s assent, and the gazetted versions of the Acts. These concerns have prompted the National Assembly leadership to act decisively. The statement emphasized that the Assembly is addressing these matters strictly within its constitutional and statutory mandates, assuring stakeholders that the legislative process remains paramount.

Relevant committees within the National Assembly, in collaboration with the institution’s management, have commenced an internal review to thoroughly examine the issues raised. This review is being conducted in strict adherence to the Constitution of Nigeria, the Acts Authentication Act, and the Standing Orders of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, alongside established parliamentary practices. The goal is to ensure the integrity and accuracy of legislative records.

The leadership has mandated the Clerk to the National Assembly to facilitate the publication of the Acts in the Official Gazette and to issue certified true copies on demand. This administrative action is intended solely to authenticate and formally reflect the legislative decisions already made by the National Assembly, thereby ensuring clarity and accuracy for all parties involved. It does not imply any defect in the exercise of legislative powers.

This clarification comes amidst growing calls for the suspension of the tax reform laws, set to take effect in January. Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume urged President Bola Tinubu to halt their implementation, citing claims and counterclaims of alterations. The Nigerian Bar Association and other civil society groups have also voiced concerns, warning that the controversy could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s legislative processes and constitutional governance.

The controversy was further fueled by allegations from a House of Representatives member, Abdussamad Dasuki, who pointed out discrepancies between the gazetted tax laws and the final versions approved by the National Assembly. The National Assembly leadership reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, assuring that any procedural lapses identified will be addressed lawfully.

Members of the public are urged to allow the internal legislative processes to conclude without undue speculation or interference. The National Assembly leadership reiterated its dedication to constitutionalism, separation of powers, and due process, promising to uphold the sanctity of legislative authority as the custodian of Nigeria’s federal legislative power.

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Keywords: Nigeria tax laws, National Assembly investigation, certified tax copies, tax reform acts, legislative transparency, Abuja statement, constitutional governance, parliamentary practice