Business and Economy
CSOs Back National Assembly, Dismiss Claims of Alteration in Tax Reform Acts
By Iyojo Ameh
A coalition of civil society organisations under the platform 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, the group expressed strong support for the leadership of the National Assembly over its decision to re-gazette the Tax Acts 2025.
The coalition maintained that the official legislative records of the National Assembly remain intact and authoritative, stressing that the Votes and Proceedings of both the Senate and the House of Representatives dated May 28, 2025, constitute the final and binding decisions of the legislature.
According to the group, the records were published on May 29, 2025, and have remained publicly accessible since then.
The Patriots disclosed that it conducted a thorough review of the harmonised versions of the Tax Acts, alongside the Votes and Proceedings and the Conference Committee Reports, and found no material discrepancies in the documents.
Responding to claims that multiple versions of the Acts appeared in the Official Gazette, the coalition explained that gazetting is an administrative process that cannot amend, override or alter laws duly passed by the National Assembly.
It cited several court judgments which affirm that clerical or administrative errors in publication do not invalidate Acts of Parliament nor change legislative intent.
While acknowledging the seriousness of allegations bordering on legislative alteration, the group stressed that the burden of proof rests squarely on those making such claims. It added that until a competent court rules otherwise, the Tax Acts as passed by the National Assembly remain valid and enforceable.
The coalition endorsed the National Assembly’s decision to re-gazette the Acts in line with the harmonised clean copies and official parliamentary records, describing the move as lawful, proper and sufficient.
It warned that calls for the suspension, repeal or re-enactment of the laws were unnecessary and could introduce legal and fiscal uncertainty.
The Patriots also commended the directive by the leadership of the National Assembly instructing the Clerk to issue Certified True Copies of the Acts to members of the public, noting that the measure would strengthen transparency and boost public confidence in the legislative process.
The group urged Nigerians to respect parliamentary records, support the re-gazetting process and avoid narratives capable of undermining democratic institutions and governance.
