Reps Demands Suspension of Tax Reform Laws Over Alleged Alterations
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has formally called on the Federal Government to halt the implementation of four newly enacted tax reform laws amid allegations that the final versions in circulation may have been altered.
The lawmakers insisted that the suspension should remain in force until an ongoing legislative investigation into the alleged discrepancies is concluded, PulseNets learnt.
The demand follows mounting concerns within the House over inconsistencies between the tax reform bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions reportedly being disseminated by government agencies.
According to the caucus, the controversy raises grave constitutional and legal implications that must be addressed before the laws can legitimately take effect.
PulseNets obtained that the matter was tabled during plenary by Abdulsamad Dasuki, a lawmaker representing Sokoto State, who raised it as a matter of legislative privilege.
Dasuki alleged that copies of the tax laws being circulated by the Ministry of Information differ from those duly passed by lawmakers and assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Reacting to the development, the Minority Caucus cautioned Nigerians against complying with any tax law that lacks proper legislative authorisation.
The caucus stressed that for any law to be valid and enforceable, it must bear the signatures of both the President and the Clerk to the National Assembly.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and seen by PulseNets, the caucus expressed deep concern over what it described as a disturbing development. The statement was jointly signed by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, Minority Whip Ali Isa J.C., Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Sani Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi.
The lawmakers stated: “We have observed with profound concern and a deep sense of disappointment the unfolding controversy surrounding the Tax Reform laws that were properly passed by the National Assembly and duly signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
They noted that while disagreements over legislation are not uncommon in a democracy, the present allegations go far beyond routine disputes.
According to the caucus, claims of unlawful alterations undermine the integrity of the legislative process and erode public confidence in governance.
PulseNets reported that the House of Representatives has already constituted a high-powered investigative committee to examine the allegations.
The committee is mandated to ascertain whether the laws were tampered with after passage, improperly gazetted, or incorrectly released to the public.
Reaffirming their resolve, the Minority Caucus said it would collaborate with all members of the House to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
They maintained that any individual or institution found culpable of altering the laws must face appropriate sanctions.
The lawmakers also clarified the statutory procedure for gazetting laws, noting that the Clerk to the National Assembly is solely responsible for transmitting authenticated copies to relevant government agencies, making the legislature the custodian of original enacted laws.
On this basis, the caucus urged Nigerians, investors, and the business community to disregard any tax reform law that does not carry proper authentication.
Also Read: Tax Reforms: Why Nigerians Are Afraid of January 2026 Implementation — Oyedele Explains
They warned that the circulation of unauthorised versions amounts to a direct assault on the constitutional authority of the National Assembly.
The Minority Caucus concluded by reiterating its call for the immediate suspension of the tax reforms, insisting that Nigerians are entitled to certainty and access to the exact laws they are expected to comply with.
