Amanze Chinonye
The National Assembly has ordered the re-gazetting of four major tax reform laws and commenced an institutional review following public controversy over allegations that the versions published in the Federal Government Gazette differ from those passed by lawmakers, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Friday, December 26, 2025, the House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, said the leadership of both chambers has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to re-gazette the Acts and issue Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the versions “duly passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.”
The affected legislations are the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.
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Rotimi said the directive followed growing public concerns surrounding the passage of the bills, their harmonisation between the Senate and the House of Representatives, the documentation transmitted for presidential assent, and the versions subsequently published in the Official Gazette.
“The House of Representatives wishes to assure the public that these matters are being addressed strictly within the constitutional and statutory remit of the National Assembly,” he said.
He disclosed that the House had constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee last week after the issue was raised on the floor through a Point of Order on privileges. According to him, the committee, working alongside relevant standing committees and the management of the National Assembly, is reviewing the sequence of events to identify any lapses, irregularities or external interferences that may have occurred.
The review, the House said, is being conducted in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Acts Authentication Act, the Standing Orders of both chambers and established parliamentary practice.
As part of the process, the leadership of the National Assembly, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House Abbas Tajudeen, approved the re-gazetting to eliminate any ambiguity and accurately reflect the legislature’s decisions.
The House stressed that the move does not amount to an admission of wrongdoing. “This review is strictly confined to institutional processes and procedures. It does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority by the House of Representatives or the Senate,” the statement said.
The controversy was triggered after Sokoto lawmaker Abdussamad Dasuki raised concerns that the laws eventually gazetted did not correspond with the versions debated and approved by the National Assembly, a development that sparked public debate among lawyers, civil society groups and professional bodies.
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has warned that any mismatch between passed and gazetted laws could pose serious risks to legal certainty and public confidence in governance, while some political figures, including former Senate Leader Ali Ndume, have called for deeper scrutiny of the process.
The Federal Government has, however, denied altering the tax laws, insisting that any issues arising fall within the legislative processes of the National Assembly.
Despite the controversy, government officials have maintained that implementation of the tax reforms, scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, remains on course.
Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism, separation of powers, due process and the rule of law, the House urged the public to exercise restraint and allow the review process to run its course, assuring that further updates would be provided as the exercise progresses.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
