CSOs BACK NASS ON TAX REFORM ACTS
Editor
A coalition of civil society organisations, The Patriots, has dismissed allegations that the recently passed Tax Reform Acts were altered after approval by the National Assembly, describing the claims as “baseless and misleading”.
The group expressed strong support for the leadership of the National Assembly over its decision to re-gazette the Tax Acts 2025, insisting that official legislative records remain intact and authoritative.
The Patriots said it conducted a careful review of the harmonised copies of the Tax Acts, the Votes and Proceedings, and the Conference Committee Reports, stressing that no material discrepancies were found.
According to the coalition, the Votes and Proceedings of both the Senate and the House of Representatives dated May 28, 2025, constitute the final and binding records of the decisions of the National Assembly.
The group noted that these records were published on May 29, 2025, and have been publicly available since then.
The Patriots maintained that gazetting is a purely administrative process that cannot amend or override laws validly passed by the legislature.
It cited several court judgments affirming that administrative or clerical errors in publication do not invalidate Acts of the National Assembly nor alter legislative intent.
The coalition fully endorsed the National Assembly’s decision to re-gazette the Acts in line with the harmonised clean copies and official parliamentary records, describing the move as lawful, proper and sufficient.
The group warned that calls for suspension, repeal or re-enactment of the laws were unnecessary and could create legal and fiscal uncertainty.
The Patriots commended the National Assembly leadership for directing the Clerk to issue Certified True Copies of the Acts to members of the public, noting that the step would enhance transparency and public confidence.
The group urged Nigerians to respect parliamentary records and support the re-gazetting process.
