Nigeria’s House of Representatives has released the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the 2025 Tax Reform Acts, insisting that concerns over alleged alterations to the laws after passage have been resolved.
The move followed claims by the Minority Caucus that versions of the Tax Reform Acts gazetted after presidential assent differed from those passed by the National Assembly, particularly the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), 2025.
House Says Release of CTCs Settles the Matter
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, said the public release of the CTCs had effectively addressed all concerns.
“The controversy has been resolved,” Agbese said.
“Nigerians now have access to the exact laws passed by the National Assembly and signed by the President. That settles the matter.”
According to him, the leadership of the House, working with the Senate, also ordered an internal verification process to ensure that only the authentic versions of the laws remain in circulation.
Minority Caucus Disagrees, Flags Alleged Discrepancies
Despite the release of the CTCs, the Minority Caucus maintained that discrepancies still exist between the certified versions and earlier gazetted copies of the laws.
In an interim report by an ad-hoc committee set up by the caucus, lawmakers alleged that multiple versions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, were in circulation, raising questions about procedural integrity.
The Chairman of the committee, Afam Ogene, said the alterations amounted to an encroachment on the constitutional powers of the legislature.
“There were three different versions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act in circulation,” Ogene said.
“This is a grave concern that undermines the exclusive law-making authority of the National Assembly.”
Sections of the Law Under Dispute
According to the Minority Caucus, disputed areas include reporting thresholds, enforcement powers, appeal conditions, and the definition of federal taxes.
The caucus alleged that some gazetted provisions lowered tax reporting thresholds, introduced mandatory deposits for tax appeals, expanded enforcement powers, and altered oversight requirements—changes it said were not contained in the version passed by lawmakers.
Leadership Moves to Reassure Public Confidence
House leaders said the immediate release of the CTCs was aimed at restoring public confidence and reaffirming the independence of the legislature.
Agbese noted that the coordinated response of both chambers of the National Assembly demonstrated a commitment to transparency, due process, and democratic accountability.
“The House acted swiftly and responsibly,” he said.
“The leadership did not wait for public pressure.”
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Debate Likely to Continue
While acknowledging the Minority Caucus’ right to raise concerns, House leaders said the corrective steps already taken made further controversy unnecessary.
However, the Minority Caucus has requested more time to conduct a deeper investigation, saying it remains committed to protecting legislative independence and Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
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