A coalition of civil society organisations, The Patriots, has refuted allegations that the recently passed Tax Reform Acts were altered after approval by the National Assembly, dismissing the claims as unfounded and lacking evidence.
A statement on Sunday, signed by the Coordinator of The Patriots, Muhammad E. Dauda expressed 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.
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 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.
Reacting to claims that multiple versions of the Acts appeared in the Official Gazette, the coalition 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.
While acknowledging that allegations of alterations are serious, the group stressed that the burden of proof lies on those making the claims. It added that, pending any court ruling, the Tax Acts as passed by the National Assembly remain valid and enforceable.
SINL NIgeria Online reports that 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.
It however warned that calls for suspension, repeal or re-enactment of the laws were unnecessary and could create legal and fiscal uncertainty.
The Patriots also commended the directive by the National Assembly leadership for 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.
Meanwhile, the group urged Nigerians to respect parliamentary records, support the re-gazetting process and avoid narratives capable of undermining democratic institutions.
