Alleged Alterations Threaten Nigeria’s January Tax Reforms, Lawmakers Call for Suspension

Proposed tax reforms bills

Alleged Alterations Threaten Nigeria’s January Tax Reforms, Lawmakers Call for Suspension

Nigeria’s proposed January tax reforms are facing mounting uncertainty following allegations that the laws were altered after passing through the National Assembly, sparking opposition from lawmakers, civil society groups, professional bodies, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The controversy raises risks of legal challenges, taxpayer resistance, and a potential credibility crisis for the government’s fiscal agenda.

Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of the tax laws and order a comprehensive investigation into claims that the versions assented to and gazetted differ materially from those approved by the National Assembly. Ndume warned that proceeding without resolving the allegations would undermine the legitimacy and credibility of the tax regime.

Opposition politicians, professional bodies like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and civil society organisations have intensified calls for suspension of the laws pending verification. NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) described the dispute as a serious threat to constitutional governance, calling for an open and transparent review to restore public confidence.

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also weighed in, stressing that Nigeria’s tax system must be fair and inclusive, ensuring wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fair share while eliminating regressive taxes that disproportionately affect low-income earners. NLC President Joe Ajaero warned that laws formulated without workers’ input would be deemed unjust and unacceptable, urging citizens to mobilize for equitable governance.

A policy brief by the Centre for Peace Education and Community Development in Taraba State also highlighted procedural irregularities, warning that the reforms could face court challenges, suffer public distrust, and result in revenue losses if implemented amid allegations of alterations, distortions, or forgery. The brief called for a suspension of rollout, a legal and legislative review, and the establishment of an independent audit panel to examine the authenticity of the laws against official National Assembly records.

Meanwhile, Presidential Tax Reform Committee chairman Taiwo Oyedele urged Nigerians to exercise restraint, noting that speculation based on unverified claims was unhelpful. He emphasized that the National Assembly investigation would determine if any alterations were substantial or procedurally improper.

The House of Representatives Committee investigating the discrepancies, chaired by Muktar Betara, has pledged to submit its report promptly. The seven-member panel was constituted following a matter of privilege raised by Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki, who flagged inconsistencies between passed and gazetted tax laws. Betara assured that the committee would complete its investigation diligently, ensuring transparency and legislative integrity.

The unfolding controversy underscores the need for due process, transparency, and public trust in Nigeria’s tax reform agenda, which forms a central pillar of the Federal Government’s economic strategy to boost domestic revenue, reduce reliance on oil income, and strengthen fiscal discipline.