Alleged Alteration of Gazetted Tax Laws Sparks Tension at National Assembly
TEC News|Abuja|18th December, 2025.
Serious concerns have emerged at the National Assembly of Nigeria following allegations that recently gazetted tax reform laws may not reflect the exact versions debated and passed by lawmakers.
During plenary at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Hon. Abdulsammad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto) raised a formal Point of Privilege, accusing relevant authorities of publishing tax laws that differ materially from the bills approved by the legislature.
Dasuki told the House that he conducted a detailed review over three days, comparing the officially gazetted tax reform laws with the Votes and Proceedings of both chambers, as well as the final harmonised versions passed by lawmakers. According to him, the documents made public as law do not fully align with what the National Assembly approved.
He warned that the discrepancies, if confirmed, could have far-reaching implications for Nigerian citizens. Among the potential issues highlighted are possible changes to commencement dates, which could alter when taxes take effect; the insertion or removal of clauses affecting exemptions and tax thresholds; wording adjustments that may widen the scope of taxation; and expanded discretionary powers for tax authorities beyond what was legislatively sanctioned.
The lawmaker stressed that any such alterations would amount to a breach of legislative privilege and raise serious constitutional questions, noting that only the National Assembly is empowered to make or amend laws. He described the matter as one that directly affects citizens’ hard-earned income and the integrity of Nigeria’s law-making process.
Dasuki has formally requested that all versions of the tax reform documents — including the debated bills, harmonised copies, and gazetted laws — be presented before the House for comprehensive scrutiny.
The development has sparked renewed public interest and debate, particularly amid broader concerns over governance, transparency, and external agreements entered into by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
As of the time of filing this report, the House leadership had yet to issue an official response, but sources indicate that the matter may be referred to relevant committees for investigation.
TEC News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation unfolds.
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