The National Assembly has moved to clarify public concerns over discrepancies in the recently enacted 2025 tax reform laws, assuring Nigerians that the issues are being addressed within constitutional and statutory boundaries. Lawmakers responded to mounting public outcry and professional criticism over alleged differences between the versions of the tax laws debated and approved by the Senate and House of Representatives and those ultimately gazetted in the Federal Government Gazette.
In a statement by the House spokesman, the Assembly noted that allegations raised by some lawmakers including claims that the laws published after presidential assent did not fully match the versions passed in plenary, have sparked debate and concern about legislative integrity. To quell confusion and reinforce confidence in the legislative process, the leadership has directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to re‑gazette the tax laws and issue certified true copies of the texts duly passed by both chambers.
The move is part of a broader institutional review being conducted in response to claims first voiced during plenary sessions by some legislators that the gazetted Acts on taxation contained irregularities. Four major pieces of legislation are under scrutiny: the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.
Officials emphasised that the steps taken fall strictly within the Assembly’s constitutional remit and are administrative in nature, aimed at ensuring clarity, procedural accuracy and public confidence. They also reiterated that institutional processes must run their course without speculation. In tandem, a seven‑member ad‑hoc committee has been tasked with investigating the sequence of events, including potential lapses or irregularities, to recommend further action if necessary.
The reforms are scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2026, and lawmakers stressed that addressing public concerns through proper legislative channels will help uphold the rule of law, transparency and democratic fidelity as the country implements these wide‑ranging tax changes.
