The National Assembly (NA) has taken steps to safeguard the credibility of the legislative process following allegations that versions of recently passed tax laws circulating in the public domain differ from those approved by parliament.
The move follows growing public debate sparked by claims that the contents of the tax Acts may have been altered after passage by the 10th National Assembly.
In response, the leadership of the federal legislature has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to release official legislative records to enable independent verification by Nigerians.
During plenary, a lawmaker from Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, raised concerns that the versions of the tax laws in circulation contained material differences from those debated and approved by lawmakers. The allegation prompted immediate institutional action aimed at protecting the integrity of the Assembly’s work.
Reacting to the claims, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter. The committee is chaired by Muktar Betara, a lawmaker from Borno State, and is expected to examine the discrepancies alleged and report its findings to the House for further legislative action.
Beyond the internal probe, the National Assembly has opened the process to public scrutiny. In a statement issued late Wednesday by the Clerk to the National Assembly through the Director of Information, Bullah Bi-Allah, the legislature invited members of the public to review the relevant documents as part of efforts to address the controversy transparently.
According to the statement, the leadership of the National Assembly has taken note of public discussions surrounding alleged inconsistencies between the Votes and Proceedings of both chambers and the gazetted versions of the tax Acts. To clear the air, the Clerk has been directed to make available the transmitted tax bills duly signed by the President, including the certificate pages.
The statement noted that this measure would allow interested Nigerians to independently examine the documents and ascertain whether the claims of alteration are factual or unfounded.
It also revealed that, despite widespread public interest in the matter, only a small number of individuals had formally applied for Certified True Copies of the harmonised tax bills.
The Clerk’s office disclosed that all such requests had been processed in line with established procedures, adding that interested persons could still apply by specifying the required bills and paying the prescribed fees.
Clarifying concerns around the publication of the laws, the National Assembly explained that it was working with the Federal Government Printing Press to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
The gazetted versions of the duly certified and assented 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.
In a bid to prevent a recurrence of similar controversies, the National Assembly disclosed that it is reviewing its internal procedures relating to the transmission and gazetting of bills.
Under the revised process, all bills forwarded for presidential assent will pass through Presidential Liaison Officers, and no request for gazetting an Act will be entertained by the Printing Press unless initiated by the Clerk or an authorised representative.
The National Assembly concluded by commending Nigerians for their vigilance and engagement, noting that public interest and scrutiny play a vital role in strengthening transparency, accountability and professionalism within the legislative process.
For More Details, Visit New Daily Prime at www.newdailyprime.news
