‘We Don’t Know What Was Passed’: Makinde Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Controversial Tax Bills
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has sounded a strong warning over what he described as a disturbing lack of transparency surrounding Nigeria’s recently passed tax reform bills, stating that neither state governors nor the general public clearly understand what was eventually approved by the National Assembly and signed into law.
Makinde’s comments have reignited national debate over legislative accountability, executive oversight, and the credibility of Nigeria’s fiscal reform process, coming amid growing allegations that parts of the new tax laws were altered after parliamentary approval.
Akahi News gathered that the governor made the remarks during a public engagement where he addressed former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, expressing concern over what he characterised as a decline in open, consultative governance under the current administration.
“Things Are Not Really the Same,” Makinde Tells Osinbajo
In a candid reflection, Makinde openly lamented Osinbajo’s exit from office, suggesting that Nigeria has lost a vital channel for internal checks and balanced decision-making.
“Sir, I personally miss you in that position. A lot of people may not know why. Things are not really the same,” the governor reportedly said.
He recalled his early days in office during the COVID-19 pandemic, when governors debated the possibility of a nationwide lockdown at a National Economic Council (NEC) meeting. According to Makinde, Osinbajo, who chaired the council at the time, allowed room for dissenting opinions and flexible decision-making.
Makinde noted that Oyo State’s decision not to impose a full lockdown during the pandemic was influenced by Osinbajo’s inclusive leadership approach, which encouraged governors to adopt context-specific strategies.
Akahi News learnt that Makinde contrasted this consultative style with the handling of the recent tax bills, which he said lacked openness and adequate stakeholder engagement.
Governors “Kept in the Dark” Over Tax Bill Contents
According to the Oyo governor, several state leaders had appealed to the Federal Government to withdraw the tax bill temporarily for broader review and objective assessment.
“We had the same situation in this dispensation. It was the tax bill. And we said, look, bring the tax bill back. Let us all have an opportunity to look dispassionately at it,” Makinde reportedly explained.
He alleged that objections raised by governors were brushed aside, adding that the government appeared intolerant of dissenting opinions.
“And we know where we are right now. The tax bill — we don’t know what was passed at the National Assembly. We don’t also know what was signed off,” he added.
The statement has further intensified public concern over whether due legislative process was followed and whether the final gazetted version accurately reflects what lawmakers approved.
Reps Confirm Alleged Alteration of Tax Laws
The controversy gained further traction following confirmation by the House of Representatives that Nigeria’s newly gazetted tax reform laws may have been illegally altered.
According to an interim report by the House Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee probing the matter, there were clear discrepancies between the versions approved by lawmakers and those published in the official gazette.
The panel reportedly identified the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, as containing the most significant alterations.
The investigation was triggered by a motion raised on the floor of the House by Abdulsamad Dasuki, who warned that multiple versions of the tax laws in circulation differed from what legislators had formally endorsed.
Akahi News gathered that the findings have heightened calls for a comprehensive audit of the legislative process and possible legal review of the affected laws.
Public Reaction and Political Undertones
The controversy has sparked intense reactions across political platforms and civil society circles. Many Nigerians have expressed fears that fiscal policy decisions are being taken without sufficient transparency or public accountability.
On political forums, some commentators linked the controversy to the early manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general election, suggesting that the tax bill dispute may become a major political flashpoint.
Others have accused the National Assembly of failing in its oversight responsibilities, while a section of the public believes the revelations further undermine trust in governance institutions.
Broader Implications for Fiscal Governance
Policy analysts warn that uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of tax laws could discourage investment, weaken taxpayer confidence, and complicate state-level revenue planning.
Observers argue that credible tax reform requires not only legislative clarity but also broad stakeholder buy-in, especially from subnational governments that depend heavily on predictable fiscal frameworks.
Akahi News learnt that unless the alleged alterations are conclusively addressed, the controversy could spill into the courts, potentially delaying implementation and creating further policy instability.
A Call for Transparency and Institutional Accountability
As pressure mounts on federal authorities to clarify what exactly was passed and signed into law, calls are growing for full disclosure of the authentic versions of the tax bills and stronger safeguards within the legislative process.
For many Nigerians, the episode has become a test case for transparency, separation of powers, and respect for democratic procedure.
Whether the unfolding investigation restores confidence or deepens public scepticism remains to be seen. What is clear is that the integrity of Nigeria’s fiscal reform agenda now hangs in the balance.
Akahi News will continue to follow the story closely and provide verified updates as more facts emerge.
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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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