NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ORDERS URGENT REVIEW, GAZETTING OF TAX LAWS AMID CONTROVERSY

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ORDERS URGENT REVIEW, GAZETTING OF TAX LAWS AMID CONTROVERSY

The National Assembly has taken decisive steps to address public concerns surrounding the passage, presidential assent, and gazetting of four major tax-related laws signed in 2025.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, the management acknowledged widespread public commentary questioning the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the versions of the Acts assented to by the President and published in the Official Gazette.

The laws under review 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.

According to the statement made available to newsmen on Friday by the Director of Information, Mr. Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, the leadership of the National Assembly has initiated an internal administrative review through its relevant committees, in collaboration with the Assembly’s management.

The review, the statement clarified, is strictly procedural and administrative in nature and is being conducted in line with the 1999 Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, the Standing Orders of both Chambers, and established parliamentary practices.

As part of immediate measures to ensure transparency and accuracy, the leadership has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to work with relevant agencies to facilitate the proper publication of the Acts in the Official Gazette. In addition, Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the assented laws will be made available to stakeholders and members of the public upon request.

The National Assembly emphasized that the exercise is intended solely to authenticate and clearly reflect legislative decisions already taken, stressing that the review does not imply any defect or illegality in the lawmaking process of either Chamber.

“The review is confined to institutional processes and procedures and does not prejudice the roles or authority of any other arm of government,” the statement noted.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism, separation of powers, and due process, the National Assembly assured Nigerians that any procedural or administrative gaps identified would be addressed strictly in accordance with the law.

The Assembly also urged the public to refrain from speculation while the internal review is ongoing, assuring that transparency, accountability, and faithful discharge of constitutional responsibilities remain paramount.