National Assembly orders re-gazetting of tax laws after public outcry over alleged alterations

Saturday, December 27, 2025 - 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 move is an administrative step aimed at safeguarding the integrity of legislative records.

In a statement issued on Friday, December 26, the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, said the leadership of both chambers 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 chambers of the National Assembly.”

The directive comes amid growing public debate surrounding the passage, presidential assent and 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 raised relate to the harmonisation of Bills passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the documents transmitted for presidential assent, and the versions of the laws subsequently published in the Official Gazette.

“The House of Representatives wishes to assure the public that these matters are being addressed strictly within the constitutional and statutory remit of the National Assembly,” Rotimi said.

He disclosed that the House had constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee after the issue was raised on the floor through a point of order. The committee, working alongside relevant standing 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 controversy.

Rotimi said the review would include “a careful examination of any lapses, irregularities, or external interferences, should any be established,” adding that the process is being carried out in line with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, the Standing Orders of both chambers, and established parliamentary practice.

He explained that the leadership of the National Assembly, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House Abbas Tajudeen, ordered the re-gazetting to remove any ambiguity.

“This administrative step is intended solely to authenticate and accurately reflect the legislative decisions of the National Assembly,” the statement said.

The House emphasized that the review does not amount to an admission of wrongdoing and is limited to institutional processes and procedures. It added that the action would not prejudice the powers of any arm of government or affect existing rights, obligations or legal processes under the law.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the House said it remains dedicated to constitutionalism, separation of powers, due process and the rule of law, noting that any necessary corrective measures would be taken in accordance with established parliamentary conventions.

The House also urged the public to exercise restraint and allow internal processes to run their course, assuring that further details would be communicated as the review progresses.