Tax Law Alterations Controversy: Reps Deputy Spokesman Calls Minority Caucus Report Belated

The Deputy Spokesman of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has described the interim report by the minority caucus ad-hoc committee on alleged alterations to the tax reform laws as “belated,” insisting that the issues raised have already been overtaken by events and comprehensively addressed by the leadership of the National Assembly.

Agbese made the remarks in Abuja on Saturday following the public release of the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the four tax reform Acts by the Clerk to the National Assembly. The release was ordered by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas in collaboration with Senate President Godswill Akpabio to ensure transparency and confirm that only the authentic versions—passed by both chambers and assented to by President Bola Tinubu—are in circulation.

Background to the Controversy

The four tax reform bills—Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, Nigeria Tax Act 2025, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2025, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act 2025—were passed by the National Assembly in late 2025 and signed into law by the President. Shortly after gazetting, allegations surfaced from lawmakers and civil society groups claiming discrepancies between the versions debated and passed on the floor and those published by the Federal Government Printing Press.

The minority caucus ad-hoc committee, chaired by Hon. Afam Ogene (Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State), alleged that alterations were made post-passage—particularly to the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025—and that at least three different versions were in circulation. The committee pointed to a directive to “align” the Acts with the Government Printing Press as evidence of procedural anomalies.

House Leadership Response

Agbese said the leadership acted swiftly and responsibly before the minority report’s release. Speaker Abbas and Senate President Akpabio ensured the CTCs of the authentic Acts were released, providing clarity on what was debated, passed, and assented to. The Speaker also ordered an internal verification process to confirm only the correct versions remain in circulation—demonstrating commitment to transparency, due process, and protection of the legislature’s constitutional role.

“The concerns raised regarding discrepancies in the tax laws have already been comprehensively addressed by the House leadership. With the release of the Certified True Copies of the Acts, there is now clarity as to what was passed by the National Assembly and signed into law,” Agbese stated. He added that the joint actions of both chambers show a united resolve to safeguard the National Assembly’s law-making authority and prevent erosion of its constitutional powers.

Broader Context of the Tax Reforms

The four Acts represent the most comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in decades, consolidating fragmented laws, establishing the Nigeria Revenue Service (replacing FIRS), creating a Joint Revenue Board for federal-state coordination, and introducing measures to boost revenue, ease compliance, and attract investment. The reforms aim to address Nigeria’s low tax-to-GDP ratio (around 6–8%, among the lowest globally), reduce multiple taxation, and fund development amid fiscal pressures from subsidy removal and debt servicing.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between majority and minority caucuses in the House, procedural scrutiny of legislative outputs, and public demand for transparency in law-making—especially for economically significant bills. While acknowledging lawmakers’ right to raise accountability concerns, Agbese maintained that corrective measures had resolved the issue. “The House has acted swiftly and responsibly. The leadership did not wait for public pressure to mount before taking action. The release of the Certified Acts has settled the matter and ensured that Nigerians are guided only by the correct and lawful versions of the tax reforms,” he said.