The National Assembly has directed its Clerk to re-gazette the country’s tax legislation and issue Certified True Copies of the versions passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, following allegations that the laws were altered after parliamentary approval.
The decision was announced on Friday by House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Rotimi, in Abuja.
Two weeks ago, Abdussamad Dasuki, a lawmaker from Sokoto State, raised concerns during plenary that the tax reform Acts passed by the National Assembly differed materially from copies circulated at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
He warned that such alleged alterations posed serious legal and constitutional risks, potentially undermining Nigeria’s democratic order.
In response, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee, chaired by Muktar Betara (APC, Borno), to investigate the claims and report back to the House for further legislative action.
Rotimi said the National Assembly had taken decisive steps to safeguard public interest and ensure the integrity of the legislative record.
He noted, “Recent public commentary has focused on the legislative process relating to the passage, presidential assent, and publication in the Official Gazette of the Federal Government of the following Acts: the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.”
The ad hoc committee, working alongside other relevant committees and the management of the National Assembly, is conducting a thorough institutional review to establish the sequence of events and identify any lapses or external influences affecting the handling of the Acts.
“The review is being conducted in full conformity with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Acts Authentication Act, Cap. A4, Laws of the Federation, the Standing Orders of both Chambers, and established parliamentary practice,” Rotimi said.
He stressed that the re-gazetting process and issuance of Certified True Copies are intended solely to authenticate and accurately reflect the legislative decisions of both Chambers, adding that the review does not imply any defect in the exercise of legislative authority.
Rotimi further urged Nigerians to allow the institutional process to proceed without speculation, reaffirming the House’s commitment to constitutionalism, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
“The leadership of the House of Representatives remains committed to promptly addressing any procedural gaps identified, in line with the law and parliamentary conventions,” he added.