The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have raised significant concerns regarding alleged alterations to the newly enacted Tax Reform Acts. They are calling for an immediate suspension of these laws pending a thorough investigation.
NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) stated that the changes threaten the integrity and transparency of Nigeria’s legislative process. He emphasized the need for an open investigation to restore public confidence in governance.
Atiku described the alterations as a “grave assault on legislative supremacy,” accusing the executive branch of enforcing additional powers and financial burdens without parliamentary consent. He highlighted fears that such maneuvers could undermine accountability and worsen existing economic pressures on citizens.
The calls for suspension follow a claim by House of Representatives member Abdussamad Dasuki, who noted discrepancies between the gazetted version of tax laws and what was passed by lawmakers. In response, the House established a panel to investigate the allegations.
Both Atiku and the NBA are urging the government to pause the implementation of the laws, set to commence on January 1, 2026, until a thorough review can be conducted. They assert that any law not passed by the National Assembly lacks legitimacy.
In contrast, Akwa Ibom State Revenue Service Chairman Okon Okon has sought to clarify misinformation surrounding the reforms, assuring citizens of continued access to their bank accounts and stressing that the reforms aim to simplify the tax system and reduce burdens on the populace.
