The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong demand for the immediate suspension of the implementation of newly enacted tax laws. This call comes amidst serious allegations that the versions of the laws officially published differ from what was originally passed by the National Assembly.
Allegations of Alteration Spark Constitutional Crisis
In a statement released on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, expressed deep concern over the controversies. He stated that the disputes surrounding the Tax Reform Acts fundamentally cast doubt on the integrity of Nigeria's lawmaking process. The alarm was initially raised by a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, who claimed the gazetted laws are not the same as those passed by the legislators.
Osigwe, communicating via his official X handle @afamosigwe, emphasized that this issue strikes at the core of constitutional governance. He argued it questions the procedural sanctity required in a democratic society, suggesting that the very foundation of how laws are made is under threat.
NBA's Demand for Transparency and Investigation
The legal body has urged the National Assembly to launch a comprehensive, open, and transparent investigation to clarify the circumstances of the laws' enactment. The NBA believes this is the only way to restore public confidence in the legislative process.
The association's position is unequivocal: "Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be immediately suspended." This firm stance underscores the gravity with which the NBA views the potential breach in legislative procedure.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The development has triggered significant reactions from Nigerians on social media, reflecting widespread concern:
- Many citizens support the NBA's position, viewing a suspension as the sensible path forward.
- Some commentators have called for a broader re-examination of all laws passed since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, suspecting possible executive interference.
- Others demand not just an investigation but the prosecution of anyone found culpable in the alleged alteration.
- A prevailing sentiment among critics is that the entire tax reform process now appears dubious and should be halted until credible leadership oversees it.
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of the new Tax Act 2025, which introduces significant changes set to affect workers and freelancers nationwide from January 1, 2026. The law clarifies taxation on salaries and side incomes while defining allowable deductions. Taxable income under the act includes salaries, bonuses, allowances, and benefits like housing and vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has dismissed claims of any discrepancies. President Bola Tinubu recently signed four tax reform bills into law, and the executive branch maintains that the gazetted versions are correct. This sets the stage for a major institutional clash between the legal community, the legislature, and the executive over the sanctity of Nigeria's democratic processes.
