The National Assembly has ordered a fresh gazetting of Nigeria’s recently passed tax laws and the issuance of Certified True Copies to clarify the official legislative record following claims that the laws were altered after approval.
The directive was announced on Friday, December 26, in Abuja by the House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Rotimi, who said the step was taken to protect public interest and preserve the integrity of the lawmaking process.
Concerns over the tax reform Acts first surfaced during plenary two weeks ago when Sokoto lawmaker Abdussamad Dasuki alleged that versions of the laws circulating at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation differed from those passed by the National Assembly.
He warned that any unauthorised changes could have serious constitutional consequences and undermine democratic governance.
In response, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee led by Muktar Betara, APC, Borno, to investigate the allegations and report its findings to the House.
Rotimi said the leadership of the National Assembly had acted promptly by initiating an institutional review to trace the legislative and administrative handling of the affected Acts.
The review involves relevant committees working with the management of the National Assembly to establish the sequence of events and determine whether any lapses, irregularities or external interference occurred.
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According to him, the process is being conducted strictly in line with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, the Standing Orders of both chambers and established parliamentary practice.
As part of the review, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House jointly directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to re-gazette the Acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions duly passed by both chambers.
The move, Rotimi explained, is intended solely to ensure accuracy and properly reflect the legislative decisions of parliament.
He emphasised that the exercise does not suggest any defect in the authority of the National Assembly or invalidate the legislative process. Rather, it is an administrative step aimed at strengthening transparency and confidence in parliamentary procedures.
The House also urged Nigerians to avoid speculation while the review is ongoing, assuring the public that any procedural gaps identified would be addressed in accordance with the law.
Rotimi reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th House to constitutionalism, due process and the rule of law, adding that the National Assembly remains resolute in its responsibility as the custodian of Nigeria’s legislative authority.