Tax Reform Acts Controversy: CSOs Back NASS, Dismiss Alteration Claims as ‘Baseless’

Tax Reform Acts Controversy: CSOs Back NASS, Dismiss Alteration Claims as ‘Baseless’

A coalition of civil society organisations under the banner of The Patriots has rejected allegations that the recently passed Tax Reform Acts were altered after approval by the National Assembly, describing the claims as baseless, misleading, and unsupported by evidence.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday and signed by its Coordinator, Muhammad E. Dauda, the group expressed strong support for the leadership of the National Assembly, backing its decision to re-gazette the Tax Acts 2025. The coalition insisted that the official legislative records of the National Assembly remain intact, authoritative, and binding.

According to The Patriots, the Votes and Proceedings of the Senate and the House of Representatives dated May 28, 2025, constitute the final legal record of the legislature’s decisions. It noted that these records were published on May 29, 2025, and have remained publicly accessible since then.

The group said it carried out a detailed review of the harmonised versions of the Tax Acts, the Votes and Proceedings, and the Conference Committee Reports, and found no material discrepancies.

Addressing claims that multiple versions of the Acts appeared in the Official Gazette, the coalition stressed that gazetting is a purely administrative process and cannot amend, override, or alter laws duly passed by the legislature. It cited established court rulings affirming that clerical or publication errors do not invalidate Acts of the National Assembly nor distort legislative intent.

While acknowledging the gravity of allegations of legislative alteration, The Patriots emphasised that the burden of proof rests squarely on those making the claims. It added that, in the absence of any court judgment to the contrary, the Tax Reform Acts as passed by the National Assembly remain valid, subsisting, and enforceable.

The coalition fully endorsed the National Assembly’s decision to re-gazette the Acts in line with the harmonised clean copies and official parliamentary records, describing the step as lawful, appropriate, and sufficient. It warned that calls for suspension, repeal, or re-enactment of the laws were unwarranted and capable of creating legal and fiscal uncertainty.

The Patriots also commended the directive by the National Assembly leadership for the Clerk to issue Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the Acts to the public, saying the move would strengthen transparency and boost public confidence.

The group urged Nigerians to respect parliamentary records, support the re-gazetting process, and avoid narratives capable of undermining democratic institutions and legislative authority.