Amanze Chinonye
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has raised the alarm over alleged discrepancies between tax reform bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions later gazetted and presented to the public, describing the development as a potential constitutional violation with serious implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a press statement obtained by Prime Business Africa on Friday, the Council reacted to claims made on the floor of the House of Representatives by Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, who alleged that additional clauses and substantial material changes appeared in the gazetted tax laws signed by the President without being debated or approved by lawmakers.
The SCSN warned that if the allegations are established, they would amount to a “grave and egregious constitutional infraction” capable of undermining democratic governance, weakening public trust, and creating economic uncertainty.
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The Council noted that tax legislation has far-reaching effects on the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians, including businesses as well as religious, social and economic obligations, adding that it actively monitored and contributed to the legislative process to promote fairness, transparency, equity and constitutional compliance.
According to the statement, the Council was “shocked and deeply disturbed” by the suggestion that laws collectively debated and approved by elected representatives may have been altered at the executive level, describing such an action, if proven, as tampering with the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
The SCSN called on the leadership of the National Assembly specifically the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio to ensure a transparent investigation into the matter before the tax laws are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
It urged that members of the National Assembly be allowed to carry out an open and unhindered comparison between the harmonised bills passed by both chambers and the versions eventually gazetted, in order to determine the nature, extent and impact of any alleged alterations.
The Council warned that the consequences of such infractions could include erosion of public confidence in democratic institutions, weakening of the separation of powers, exposure of the laws to constitutional challenges, economic instability and loss of investor confidence.
Emphasising that tax laws are compulsory in nature, the SCSN said they must meet the highest standards of constitutional integrity and procedural fidelity, stressing that Nigerians cannot be expected to comply with fiscal obligations arising from laws whose authenticity is in doubt.
The statement, signed by the Secretary General of the Council, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, mni, urged authorities to treat the issue with urgency and transparency to safeguard constitutional order and institutional credibility.
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.
