Lawmakers Release Votes, Proceedings and Gazetted Tax Acts Amid Alleged Alterations
The leadership of the 10th National Assembly has ordered the release of official legislative records to the public following growing controversy over the authenticity of recently passed tax reform laws.
The decision directs the Clerk to the National Assembly to make available the Votes and Proceedings of both chambers, alongside the gazetted versions of the Tax Acts, to allow Nigerians independently verify the documents.
The move comes after allegations surfaced that the tax laws circulating in public differed from the versions approved by lawmakers.
Allegations Trigger Legislative Probe
The controversy was sparked by a Sokoto lawmaker, Abdussamad Dasuki, who during plenary alleged that the contents of the tax laws currently in circulation showed material differences from what the National Assembly passed.
In response, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the claims.
The committee is chaired by Muktar Betara, a lawmaker from Borno State, and is expected to submit its findings to the House for further legislative action.
Public Invited to Review Documents
In a statement issued late Wednesday and signed by Bullah Bi-Allah, Director of Information, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, the legislature said the decision was taken in response to public calls for transparency.
The statement noted that the National Assembly was aware of widespread public discussions regarding alleged discrepancies between legislative records and the gazetted tax laws.
It explained that the Clerk had been directed to make available the transmitted tax bills duly signed by the President, including the certificate pages, to enable members of the public to examine the documents and establish the facts.
Few Requests for Certified Copies
Despite heightened public interest, the statement disclosed that only a small number of individuals had formally applied for Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the harmonised tax bills.
According to the National Assembly, all such requests received so far have been processed, while interested members of the public were encouraged to submit formal applications to the Clerk, specifying the bills required and paying the prescribed fees.
Gazetting Process Explained
On the issue of gazetting, the National Assembly clarified that the Clerk is working closely with the Federal Government Printing Press to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
It said the duly certified and assented Acts were expected to be published on or before January 1, 2026, noting that while the Clerk initiates the process, the responsibility for printing and publication rests with the Printing Press.
New Safeguards Introduced
The legislature also revealed that it is reviewing its internal procedures to prevent similar controversies in the future.
According to the statement, all bills submitted for presidential assent will henceforth be routed through Presidential Liaison Officers, while the Printing Press will only process requests for gazetting when initiated by the Clerk to the National Assembly or an authorised representative.
Assembly Thanks Nigerians
The statement concluded by commending Nigerians for their active engagement, describing public scrutiny as vital to strengthening transparency, accountability and professionalism within the legislative process.
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