National Assembly Releases Signed Tax Bills to Address Discrepancies, Boost Transparency

National Assembly Releases Signed Tax Bills to Address Discrepancies, Boost Transparency

The National Assembly has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to release the Tax Bills signed into law by the President for public scrutiny, following growing concerns over alleged discrepancies between the Votes and Proceedings of the legislature and the gazetted versions of recently passed Tax Acts.

In a press statement issued late Wednesday and signed by the Director of Information, Bulah Audu Bi-Allah, on behalf of the Clerk, the legislature said the move was aimed at addressing public anxiety surrounding the controversial tax reforms and reinforcing confidence in the legislative process.

According to the statement, the transmitted Tax Bills, including the certificate pages bearing presidential assent, will be made available to enable Nigerians to independently examine the documents and verify their authenticity.

“In response to public calls for transparency, the leadership of the National Assembly has directed the Clerk to make available the transmitted Tax Bills duly signed by the President, including the certificate pages,” the statement said.

The legislature disclosed that despite widespread public debate and heightened interest in the tax reforms, only a limited number of Nigerians had formally applied for Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the harmonised Bills.

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“Despite widespread public interest, only a limited number of persons have formally requested Certified True Copies of the harmonised Bills, and all such requests have been processed,” it stated.

The National Assembly encouraged Nigerians seeking further clarification to follow due process by applying to the Office of the Clerk, clearly stating the specific Bills required and paying the prescribed statutory fees.

Addressing concerns over delays in the availability of the gazetted Acts, the statement clarified that while the Clerk initiates the gazetting process, the statutory responsibility for printing and publication lies with the Federal Government Printing Press.

“The Clerk is also working with the Federal Government Printing Press to publish the duly certified and assented Acts in compliance with the law,” the statement said, adding that the gazettes are expected to be ready on or before January 1, 2026.

To prevent a recurrence of similar controversies, the National Assembly announced new procedural safeguards. It said all Bills forwarded for presidential assent will henceforth be routed through Presidential Liaison Officers, while the Printing Press will no longer entertain any request to gazette an Act unless initiated by the Clerk to the National Assembly or an authorised representative.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism, the legislature thanked Nigerians for their engagement, noting that sustained public interest remains vital to strengthening democratic governance and legislative integrity.

National Assembly Releases Signed Tax Bills to Address Discrepancies, Boost Transparency