The National Assembly has invited members of the public to scrutinize the recently passed tax laws following allegations that versions in circulation differ from those approved by parliament.
The move comes amid controversy sparked by claims of possible alterations to the bills after passage. In response, the leadership of the 10th National Assembly directed the Clerk to produce the Votes and Proceedings of both chambers alongside the gazetted versions of the tax Acts for public review.
The issue was raised during plenary when a lawmaker from Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, alleged that the tax laws circulating publicly differed materially from those passed by the National Assembly.
Reacting to the allegation, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, constituted an ad hoc committee chaired by Muktar Betara, a lawmaker from Borno State, to investigate the claims and report back to the House for further legislative action.
In a statement issued late Wednesday by the Clerk to the National Assembly through the Director of Information, Bullah Bi-Allah, the legislature formally invited public participation as part of efforts to resolve the controversy.
“The leadership of the National Assembly has taken note of public discussions concerning alleged discrepancies between the Votes and Proceedings of the National Assembly and the gazetted versions of recently passed Tax Acts,” the statement said.
“In response to public calls for transparency, the leadership has directed the Clerk to make available the transmitted tax bills duly signed by the President, including the certificate pages. This will allow members of the public to independently review the documents and verify the facts.”
The statement noted that despite widespread public interest, only a limited number of individuals had formally applied for Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the harmonised bills, adding that all such requests had been processed.
“Interested persons may apply to the Clerk to the National Assembly, indicating the specific bills required and paying the prescribed fees,” it added.
Clarifying the gazetting process, the National Assembly said the Clerk is working with the Federal Government Printing Press to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. The gazetted Acts are expected to be ready on or before January 1, 2026.
While the Clerk initiates the gazetting process, the statement stressed that the statutory responsibility for printing and publication rests with the Federal Government Printing Press.
The legislature also disclosed that it is reviewing internal procedures to prevent a recurrence of such issues.
“To strengthen institutional processes, all bills for presidential assent will henceforth be routed through Presidential Liaison Officers, and no request for gazetting an Act of the National Assembly will be entertained by the Printing Press unless initiated by the Clerk or an authorised representative,” the statement said.
The National Assembly concluded by appreciating Nigerians for their interest and constructive engagement in promoting transparency, accountability and professionalism in the legislative process.
ADVERTISEMENTS
