By Yinka Giwa
The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into alleged manipulation of the newly enacted tax laws, amid mounting concerns over discrepancies between versions passed by the National Assembly and those subsequently gazetted.
Chairman of the ad hoc committee constituted to probe the matter, Rep. Aliyu Betara (APC–Borno), disclosed this in a statement issued after the committee’s inaugural meeting held in Abuja.
Betara said the committee had resolved to conclude its assignment and submit its report to the House within the shortest possible time to enable further legislative action where required.
He explained that the probe followed a motion of personal explanation raised by a member of the House, who observed inconsistencies between the tax reform laws approved by the National Assembly and the versions later published.
According to him, the investigation is aimed at upholding legislative integrity, ensuring strict adherence to due process, and maintaining public confidence in the lawmaking process.
The lawmaker reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to transparency and thoroughness, assuring that its findings and recommendations would be presented promptly to the House upon the conclusion of the exercise.
He said the objective was to ensure clarity, accuracy, and full conformity between legislations duly passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted tax reforms, in line with constitutional provisions and established legislative standards.
The House probe comes against the backdrop of strong public reactions on Monday from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who raised alarm over what they described as unconstitutional alterations to the tax laws.
Atiku warned that some of the disputed provisions “transform tax collectors into quasi-law enforcement agencies, stripping Nigerians of due process protections that the National Assembly deliberately included.” He also faulted the introduction of mandatory 20 per cent security deposits for tax appeals, compound interest on tax liabilities, compulsory United States dollar computation for petroleum operations, and other measures which, he argued, impose heavier financial burdens on citizens while dismantling key accountability safeguards.
He called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend implementation of the tax law, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, pending a comprehensive investigation. Atiku also urged the National Assembly to urgently correct the alleged illegal alterations, asked the judiciary to strike down unconstitutional provisions, and called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate those responsible.
In the same vein, the NBA, under the leadership of its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, expressed grave concern over the controversy, warning that the disputed Tax Reform Acts undermine public confidence in lawmaking and create legal and policy uncertainty capable of threatening economic stability.
Describing the situation as deeply troubling for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, the NBA demanded a transparent and open investigation to restore credibility to the legislative process.
“The integrity, transparency, and credibility of Nigeria’s legislative process are at stake,” Osigwe said. “Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be suspended. Anything short of transparent legislative action undermines public trust and weakens lawful governance.”