The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for an immediate suspension of the implementation of the newly enacted Tax Reform Acts and a comprehensive investigation into allegations that the gazetted versions differ from those passed by the National Assembly.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association expressed grave concerns over the controversies, warning that they undermine the integrity, transparency, and credibility of Nigeria's legislative process.
"These developments strike at the very heart of constitutional governance," Osigwe stated, emphasizing the need for an open and transparent probe to restore public confidence.
The controversy erupted after House of Representatives member Abdulsamad Dasuki alleged discrepancies between the bills passed by lawmakers and the gazetted copies.
The House has since formed a seven-member ad-hoc committee to investigate.President Bola Tinubu signed the four Tax Reform Acts, the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act—into law on June 26, 2025.
They are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.The reforms aim to simplify compliance, relieve tax burdens on low-income earners, and address criticisms of overtaxing the poor while undertaxing the wealthy.
However, the NBA warned that unresolved uncertainties could erode investor confidence, disrupt the business environment, and create legal unpredictability.
The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee Chairman, Taiwo Oyedele, has dismissed alteration claims as unfounded, noting that certified harmonized versions are not yet public for comparison.
The NBA urged swift action from authorities, stressing that laws with profound economic implications must emerge from processes "beyond reproach" to uphold the rule of law.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com