TAX LAWS: HoR indifferent to Minority Caucus’ Interim Report, despite proof of illegal alteration

BY TOSIN ADAMS & ORIAKU IJELE

Hopes of further probe into the circumstances that led to the illegal alteration of the Tax Laws are dim as the House of Representatives, through its Deputy Spokesperson, Hon. Philip Agbese, on Saturday said events had overtaken the matter.

Agbese, while speaking in Abuja on Saturday, said that the development followed the release of the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the laws.

The Daily Monitor on Sunday, notes that a comparison of the CTCs released by the House with the earlier gazetted versions, confirmed that alterations had indeed been made particularly to Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025.

Agbese, however, assured that the leadership of the National Assembly had already taken decisive steps to address all concerns surrounding the discrepancies in the gazetted tax laws.

He said that the House, under the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, in collaboration with the Senate, had ensured the public release of the authentic versions of the four tax reform acts, as passed.

The deputy spokesperson said that release of the CTCs had effectively resolved the issues raised over the alleged alterations, restored public confidence and reaffirmed the independence and authority of the legislature.

“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 said.

He explained that the speaker had directed an internal verification process to ensure that only the authentic versions of the laws were in circulation.

The lawmaker described the directive as a demonstration of the House’s commitment to transparency, due process and protection of democratic institutions.

He described the proactive steps taken jointly by the leadership of both chambers of the national assembly as a testament to the legislature’s unity in safeguarding its constitutional role.

While acknowledging the right of lawmakers to raise concerns in the interest of accountability, Agbese maintained that the corrective measures already implemented had made further controversies unnecessary.

“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.

Agbese assured Nigerians that the lower chamber would continue to work with the senate and relevant institutions to strengthen legislative processes and prevent a recurrence of such issues in future.