The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has constituted a special committee to investigate allegations that the recently approved tax reform laws were altered after their passage by the National Assembly.
In a statement on Tuesday, the chairman of the caucus, Kingsley Chinda, expressed concern over what it described as “serious and disturbing claims” that the versions of the tax reform bills transmitted for presidential assent may not reflect what lawmakers debated and approved on the floor of the House.
According to the minority lawmakers, the probe became necessary to protect the integrity of the legislative process and uphold the supremacy of parliament in law-making.
“The House, as the people’s parliament, must ensure that every bill passed reflects the true intent, content and resolutions of lawmakers as adopted during plenary,” the statement read.
“Any post-passage alteration, whether deliberate or inadvertent, undermines democracy and erodes public trust.”
The committee, drawn from members of the minority caucus, has been mandated to examine the legislative history of the tax reform laws, including committee reports, amendments adopted at plenary, and the final clean copies prepared for transmission.
It will also engage relevant officials of the National Assembly bureaucracy, including the Clerk’s office, to ascertain how the alleged discrepancies occurred and whether due process was followed at all stages.
The minority caucus said the outcome of the probe would be made public and, where necessary, formally presented on the floor of the House for further legislative action.
The tax reform laws, which were recently passed by the National Assembly, are part of the Federal Government’s broader fiscal reform agenda aimed at widening the tax base, improving revenue collection, and streamlining Nigeria’s tax administration framework.
However, since their passage, there have been growing concerns from some lawmakers and stakeholders that certain provisions in the final versions differ from what was approved during plenary sessions.
The minority lawmakers warned that allowing such allegations to go uninvestigated could set a dangerous precedent, stressing that the credibility of the National Assembly must be safeguarded at all times.
They reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to legislative procedures, noting that Nigerians deserve clarity and certainty on laws that have direct implications for taxation, businesses, and livelihoods.
