The National Assembly has taken a significant administrative step by ordering the re-gazetting of four major tax reform laws. This directive comes in the wake of public controversy and allegations of unauthorized alterations to the legislation after its passage by the parliament.
Administrative Move to Protect Legislative Integrity
In a statement released on Friday, December 26, 2025, the House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, clarified the parliament's position. The leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives has instructed the Clerk to the National Assembly to undertake the re-gazetting process.
The core objective, as stated by the Assembly, is to protect the integrity of the legislative record. Officials insist this is a purely administrative action, not a legislative re-opening of the debated laws. The order mandates the issuance of Certified True Copies (CTCs) that reflect precisely the versions of the Acts that were "duly passed by both chambers of the National Assembly."
Response to Public Controversy on Tax Reforms
This decision is a direct response to growing public scrutiny and debate. Concerns had been raised by various stakeholders, including legal experts and business groups, about potential discrepancies between the laws passed by the legislature and the versions subsequently published. The tax reform laws, central to President Bola Tinubu's economic agenda, have been a focal point of national policy discussion.
By ordering this re-gazetting, the National Assembly aims to dispel any doubts and ensure absolute transparency. It seeks to provide an authoritative, official record that aligns with the legislative intent, thereby restoring public confidence in the process.
Implications and Next Steps
The immediate implication is that all relevant government agencies, financial institutions, and the public will soon have access to the newly certified versions of these tax laws. This move is expected to:
- Clarify the exact provisions of the contentious tax reforms.
- Provide a definitive reference point for implementation and compliance.
- Strengthen the legal standing of the laws by eliminating ambiguity.
While the Assembly frames this as an administrative correction, it underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding fiscal policy and governance under the current administration. The action demonstrates the legislature's responsiveness to public opinion and its commitment to upholding procedural correctness in law-making.
