Nigeria’s National Assembly has launched an internal review following allegations that parts of newly enacted tax reform laws were altered after legislative approval and presidential assent. The move comes amid mounting public scrutiny over the integrity of the legislative process behind the controversial laws.
The probe focuses on four major statutes passed and signed into law in 2025, including the Nigeria Tax Act and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act. Questions emerged after discrepancies were alleged between the versions passed by lawmakers and those later published in the Official Gazette.
The Senate disclosed the development on Friday through a statement issued in Abuja by its Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah. He said concerns had arisen over the harmonisation process between both chambers, the President’s assent, and the final gazetted documents.
According to the statement, the leadership of the National Assembly has directed relevant committees to conduct an internal review alongside legislative management. The exercise is aimed at clarifying the issues and safeguarding the integrity of official legislative records.
The Senate stressed that the review is being carried out strictly within constitutional provisions and existing laws governing legislative procedure. It cited the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, and parliamentary rules as the framework guiding the process.
As part of the review, the Clerk to the National Assembly has been instructed to work with relevant agencies to re-gazette the tax laws. Certified True Copies of the versions passed by both chambers will also be made available to stakeholders and the public on request.
Lawmakers emphasized that the action is administrative, not legislative, and does not suggest any defect in the authority exercised by either chamber. They also clarified that the review does not encroach on the powers of the executive or judiciary.
The controversy intensified earlier in the week after former Senate Leader Ali Ndume urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend implementation of the tax laws, which are scheduled to take effect in January. Civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association have also called for a pause, warning that the dispute could damage public trust.
The House of Representatives has set up its own committee to investigate the alleged discrepancies, with Chairman Muktar Betara pledging to submit findings promptly.
With protests growing and confidence shaken, the outcome of the internal review is expected to play a critical role in restoring credibility to Nigeria’s legislative process.
