A significant controversy has erupted in Nigeria's National Assembly after a federal lawmaker alleged that the official versions of recently passed tax laws differ from what was debated and approved by the legislative body.
Lawmaker Sounds Alarm on Legislative Floor
Honourable Abdulsammad Dasuki, representing Sokoto state in the House of Representatives, raised the serious allegation on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Speaking under a Point of Privilege during plenary, Dasuki insisted that the contents of the tax laws gazetted and released to the public do not reflect what lawmakers debated, voted on, and approved.
"I was here, I gave my vote and it was counted, and I am seeing something completely different," the lawmaker told the House, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Evidence of Discrepancy and Constitutional Breach
According to Dasuki's findings, a comparison between the gazetted copies obtained from the Ministry of Information and the official Votes and Proceedings of the House, as well as the harmonised versions adopted by both legislative chambers, revealed notable inconsistencies.
He described the situation as a grave breach of legislative procedure and constitutional order. The lawmaker warned that allowing altered laws to be presented to Nigerians would fundamentally undermine the credibility and integrity of the National Assembly itself.
"This is a breach of our laws and the Constitution. This honourable House must not allow it," Dasuki stated emphatically.
Call for Scrutiny and Speaker's Response
Dasuki urged the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, to ensure all relevant documents—including the harmonised bills, the official Votes and Proceedings, and the circulated gazetted laws—are brought before the Committee of the Whole for thorough scrutiny by all members.
In response, Speaker Abbas acknowledged the complaint and assured the House that appropriate steps would be taken to examine the matter. He confirmed he had taken note of the Point of Privilege raised by the member from Sokoto.
This controversy surrounds the four tax reform bills initially sent by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024 and passed by the House of Representatives. The bills, aimed at reforming Nigeria's tax system, are awaiting consideration by the Senate before being sent for presidential assent.
