Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Some members of the House of Representatives have raised concerns that recently enacted tax reform laws were altered after passage without legislative approval, warning of possible constitutional challenges.
The lawmakers alleged on Wednesday that versions of the tax laws gazetted and circulated by the Federal Ministry of Information differ materially from the harmonised bills passed by the National Assembly and signed by President Bola Tinubu.
Raising the matter under a point of privilege, Abdussamad Dasuki (APC, Sokoto) said the discrepancies go beyond clerical corrections, insisting that provisions passed by both chambers were inserted, deleted or modified without parliamentary consent.
A report by the concerned lawmakers claimed that several oversight and accountability provisions approved by parliament were removed, while new fiscal and enforcement powers were introduced without approval. They argued that such alterations violate Sections 4 and 58 of the 1999 Constitution, which vest law-making powers exclusively in the National Assembly.
The lawmakers warned that the alleged changes undermine legislative authority, weaken oversight and expose Nigeria to litigation risks and investor uncertainty. They called for an immediate legislative review, possible re-enactment of affected provisions, and the summoning of officials responsible under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution.
Responding, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas assured members that the House leadership would investigate the allegations and take appropriate action.
The disputed laws are part of President Tinubu’s tax reform package aimed at boosting revenue, widening the tax base and modernising tax administration, with implementation scheduled for January 2026. The controversy has, however, heightened concerns over legislative oversight and the integrity of the law-making process.
