By Mercy Gadia Adi
The National Assembly has moved swiftly to contain growing public controversy over the passage, presidential assent and gazetting of four key tax-related laws signed into effect in 2025.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, the management acknowledged widespread public commentary questioning the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as concerns over the versions of the Acts assented to by the President and published in the Official Gazette.
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The laws under scrutiny are the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.
According to the statement, made available to journalists on Friday by the Director of Information, Mr Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, the leadership of the National Assembly has commenced an internal review through relevant committees working in collaboration with the Assembly’s management.
The review, the statement stressed, is strictly administrative and procedural, and is being conducted in accordance with the 1999 Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, the Standing Orders of both Chambers, and established parliamentary practice.
As part of immediate measures to ensure transparency and accuracy, the leadership directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to liaise with relevant agencies to facilitate the proper publication of the Acts in the Official Gazette. It also assured that Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the assented laws would be made available to stakeholders and members of the public upon request.
The National Assembly emphasised that the exercise is solely intended to authenticate and clearly reflect legislative decisions already taken, insisting that it does not imply any defect or illegality in the lawmaking powers exercised by either Chamber.
“The review is confined to institutional processes and procedures,” the statement said, noting that it does not in any way prejudice the roles or authority of any other arm of government.
Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism, separation of powers and due process, the National Assembly assured Nigerians that any procedural or administrative gaps identified would be addressed strictly in line with the law.
The leadership of both Chambers further urged the public to refrain from speculation while internal processes are ongoing, pledging transparency, accountability and the faithful discharge of their constitutional responsibilities. It added that further updates would be communicated as necessary.