The Nigerian House of Representatives has appealed to the public to remain calm as it investigates reported alterations to recently gazetted tax laws.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Spokesperson of the House, Mr Akin Rotimi Jr, explained that public commentary has emerged regarding the passage, presidential assent, and publication of several Acts, including the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.
“The commentary has raised questions about the harmonisation of Bills passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the documentation submitted for Presidential assent, and the versions of the Acts eventually published in the Official Gazette,” Mr Rotimi Jr said.
He assured the public that the House is addressing these matters strictly within the constitutional and statutory remit of the National Assembly.
“Last week, the House established a seven-member Ad Hoc Committee to examine the issue after it was raised under a Point of Order (Privileges),” he noted.
The Committee, in collaboration with other relevant committees and the Management of the National Assembly, is reviewing the legislative and administrative processes to determine the sequence of events and identify any factors contributing to the current situation.
“This review includes a careful examination of potential lapses, irregularities, or external interferences, if any. It is being conducted fully in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Acts Authentication Act, the Standing Orders of both Chambers, and established parliamentary practice,” Mr Rotimi Jr added.
He further stated that, “To ensure clarity and maintain the integrity of the legislative record, the leadership of the National Assembly, under the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, and the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, has directed the Clerk to re-gazette the Acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions passed by both Chambers. This step is solely administrative to authenticate the legislative decisions of the National Assembly.”
Mr Rotimi Jr emphasised that the review is strictly institutional and does not imply any defect in the exercise of legislative authority. “The House remains committed to constitutionalism, separation of powers, due process, and the supremacy of the rule of law. Any procedural or administrative refinements identified will be addressed in line with the law and parliamentary conventions,” he said.
He urged the public to allow the National Assembly’s processes to continue without speculation.
“The leadership of the House remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the faithful discharge of its constitutional responsibilities,” he concluded.
