A controversy has emerged in the House of Representatives following allegations that Nigeria’s newly signed tax reform laws were altered after being passed by the National Assembly.
The allegation was raised on Wednesday during plenary by a lawmaker from Sokoto State, Mr. Dasuki, who claimed that the versions of the four tax reform bills signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 26, 2025, are different from what lawmakers approved.
According to Dasuki, a careful review of the House voting records, harmonised versions of the bills, and the official gazetted copies revealed discrepancies, suggesting that changes may have been made after the bills were passed by the National Assembly.
He described the situation as a serious matter that touches on the integrity of the legislature and the lawmaking process. Dasuki therefore urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to immediately investigate the issue, describing it as a possible breach of legislative privilege.
“The documents before us do not align with what this House debated and passed,” the lawmaker reportedly said, stressing that any post-passage alteration of bills undermines constitutional procedures and democratic governance.
Following the allegation, the House moved swiftly and initiated a formal probe to determine whether the tax reform laws were altered and, if so, at what stage the changes occurred and who was responsible.
The development has also drawn reactions from outside the National Assembly. Human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, described any confirmed alteration of laws after passage as a grave constitutional violation, warning that it could amount to an impeachable offence.
Legal analysts say that if the allegations are proven, it could raise serious questions about the validity of the tax reform laws, the credibility of the legislative process, and the legality of their enforcement.
The four tax reform laws are scheduled to take effect in January 2026, making the outcome of the investigation crucial for government policy, taxpayers, and the wider economy.
As of now, the House of Representatives has assured Nigerians that the probe will be thorough, transparent, and guided by the Constitution, with further updates expected as investigations continue.
