The leadership of the 10th National Assembly has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to make available certified documents relating to the recently passed Tax Acts for public scrutiny, following concerns over alleged discrepancies in the laws.
This decision comes in response to public debate sparked by claims that the gazetted versions of the tax reform laws differed from those approved by lawmakers. The controversy was raised during plenary by a lawmaker from Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, who alleged that copies of the tax laws in circulation were materially different from what was passed by the National Assembly.
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In response, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, constituted an ad hoc committee chaired by Muktar Betara, a lawmaker from Borno State, to investigate the claims and report back to the House for further legislative action.
A statement issued by the Director of Information, Bullah Bi-Allah, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, said the leadership had directed that the Votes and Proceedings of both chambers, along with the transmitted tax bills signed by the President and their certificate pages, be made available for independent public review.
The statement noted that although public interest in the matter is high, only a few individuals have formally applied for Certified True Copies of the harmonised bills, all of which have been processed. Interested members of the public were encouraged to apply through the Clerk’s office upon payment of prescribed fees.
The National Assembly also disclosed that it is working with the Federal Government Printing Press to complete the gazetting of the Acts, expected on or before January 1, 2026.
It added that internal procedures are being reviewed to enhance transparency and prevent similar issues in the future, while appreciating Nigerians for their constructive engagement in the legislative process.
