The National Assembly has directed the re-gazetting of four major tax reform laws following public controversy over alleged alterations after their passage, stressing that the decision is an administrative step aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the legislative record.
In a statement issued on Friday, the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, said the leadership of both chambers had instructed the Clerk to the National Assembly to re-gazette the Acts and issue Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the versions “duly passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.”
The directive follows growing public debate surrounding the passage, presidential assent and subsequent publication in the Federal Government’s Official Gazette of 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 House, the concerns relate to the harmonisation of bills passed by both chambers, the documents transmitted for presidential assent, and the versions later published in the Official Gazette.
Rotimi said the legislature is addressing the matter strictly within its constitutional and statutory mandate.
“The House of Representatives wishes to assure the public that these issues are being handled strictly within the constitutional and statutory remit of the National Assembly,” he said.
He disclosed that the House had recently set up a seven-member ad hoc committee after the matter was raised on the floor through a Point of Order on privileges.
The committee, working alongside other relevant committees and the management of the National Assembly, is conducting an institutional review to establish the sequence of events and identify any factors that may have contributed to the situation.
The review, he said, would involve a careful examination of any lapses, irregularities or possible external interference, in line with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, the standing orders of both chambers and established parliamentary practice.
As part of the process, the leadership of the National Assembly, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House Abbas Tajudeen, ordered the re-gazetting of the laws to eliminate any ambiguity.
According to the House, the move is solely intended to authenticate and accurately reflect the legislative decisions of the National Assembly and does not amount to an admission of wrongdoing.
“This review is strictly confined to institutional processes and procedures. It does not constitute or imply any defect in the exercise of legislative authority by either chamber,” the statement said.
The House also clarified that the action would not prejudice the powers of any other arm of government or affect existing legal rights and obligations.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the House said it remains dedicated to constitutionalism, separation of powers, due process and the rule of law, adding that appropriate corrective measures would be taken where necessary.
The National Assembly appealed to the public to refrain from speculation, assuring that transparency and accountability would guide the ongoing review, with further updates to be provided as the process continues.
