A member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki (PDP‑Sokoto), has sounded a strong warning about significant inconsistencies in the tax laws recently gazetted by the federal government, saying the versions now in public circulation differ from what lawmakers actually passed.
During Wednesday December 17th ’s plenary session, Dasuki said he had personally compared the tax bills passed earlier this year including the Nigeria Tax Act and Nigeria Tax Administration Act slated to take effect from January 1, 2026 with the copies gazetted by the Ministry of Information. He told colleagues that some clauses, including commencement dates and specific provisions, do not match the harmonised versions approved by the National Assembly.
Dasuki framed the issue as more than just an oversight; he described it as a possible breach of Nigeria’s Constitution and legislative process. He urged Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to direct that all relevant documents including the originally passed texts, the harmonised versions agreed by both chambers, and the gazetted copies be presented to the Committee of the Whole for scrutiny and necessary correction.
The lawmaker emphasized that Nigerians deserve clarity before the laws take effect in the new year. The Speaker acknowledged the concern and said the matter would be taken up to ensure legislative intent is properly reflected in the officially published texts.
The controversy highlights ongoing public scrutiny of the tax overhaul enacted in mid‑2025, which aims to streamline taxation, reduce multiple levies, and bolster government revenue but has already attracted debate from lawmakers, businesses and civil society.
