NASS Moves to Clarify Alleged Discrepancies in Gazetted Tax Acts After Public Outcry
The National Assembly has announced decisive steps to address growing public concerns over alleged discrepancies in the recently gazetted Tax Acts, assuring Nigerians of transparency and accountability in the legislative process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Information of the National Assembly, Mr Bullah Bi-Allah, disclosed that the leadership of the legislature has directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to make available certified copies of the tax bills signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Move to Restore Public Confidence
According to Akahi News, the decision followed widespread public concern over alleged inconsistencies between the versions of the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and those later gazetted. Bi-Allah explained that the certified documents would include the certificate pages to enable Nigerians independently verify their authenticity.
He said the Assembly had taken note of reports pointing to discrepancies between the votes and proceedings of the legislature and the gazetted versions of the laws, stressing that transparency remained a core legislative value.
“The decision to release the documents is in response to public calls for transparency. It will allow citizens to review and verify the documents themselves,” he said.
Limited Requests for Certified Copies
Despite the public debate surrounding the issue, the National Assembly noted that only a limited number of formal requests had been made for Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the harmonised tax bills. According to Bi-Allah, all such requests have been duly processed.
Akahi News gathered that the Clerk of the National Assembly is also working closely with the Federal Government Printing Press to ensure the timely publication of the duly certified and assented Acts in line with statutory requirements.
He added that while the Clerk initiates the gazetting process, the legal responsibility for printing and publication rests with the Federal Government Printing Press.
New Measures to Strengthen Legislative Integrity
In a bid to prevent future controversies, the National Assembly announced plans to review and strengthen its internal procedures for the transmission and gazetting of bills.
Bi-Allah disclosed that going forward, all bills meant for presidential assent would be routed strictly through presidential liaison officers. He added that no request for gazetting an Act of the National Assembly would be entertained by the printing press unless formally initiated by the Clerk of the National Assembly or an authorised representative.
According to observers, the move is aimed at tightening institutional controls and reinforcing public trust in the legislative process.
Commitment to Transparency
The National Assembly also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their vigilance and constructive engagement, noting that public scrutiny plays a vital role in strengthening democracy.
“National Assembly appreciates Nigerians for their interest and constructive engagement in strengthening transparency, accountability and professionalism in the legislative process,” the statement read.
Akahi News will continue to monitor developments surrounding the clarification and publication of the tax laws as the process unfolds.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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