The House of Representatives has released certified copies of four recently enacted tax reform laws to the public, following concerns over alleged alterations and the circulation of unauthorised versions of the acts.
The release, ordered by Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas in collaboration with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was aimed at promoting transparency, restoring public confidence, and safeguarding the integrity of the legislative process.
In a statement in Abuja on Sunday, the House said the decision followed reports that conflicting versions of the tax laws were in circulation.
The issue was formally raised on the floor by a member on a point of privilege, prompting the Speaker to direct an internal verification and the immediate publication of the Certified True Copies (CTCs), including the presidential assent pages.
According to the House, the move underscores Speaker Abbas’ commitment to legislative integrity and open governance, especially on issues with far-reaching fiscal implications.
The four acts released are the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025. Official copies have been made available online for public access and reference.
The House noted that the tax reform process involved extensive stakeholder engagement, committee work, clause-by-clause consideration, and robust debates before the bills were passed and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
“These legislations form the backbone of Nigeria’s modern tax reform framework, designed to improve revenue administration, enhance compliance, eliminate duplication, and strengthen fiscal coordination across the federation,” the statement said.
Speaker Abbas was quoted as stressing that the National Assembly operates as an institution of records, guided by established procedures and verification systems that preserve the authenticity of all laws.
“There is no ambiguity about what constitutes the law. Once a bill is passed and assented to, its integrity is preserved through certification and legislative custody,” he said.
The House advised Nigerians, institutions, and professionals to rely only on the certified versions released by the National Assembly, warning that any other documents in circulation do not form part of the official legislative record.
It also disclosed that the Clerk to the National Assembly has aligned the certified Acts with the Federal Government Printing Press to ensure uniformity and accuracy, while hard copies are being circulated to lawmakers and made available to the public.
Meanwhile, an ad hoc committee chaired by Rt Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the circulation of unauthorised versions, with a mandate to recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
The House reaffirmed its commitment to constitutionalism, transparency, and accountable governance, pledging to strengthen internal controls and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.
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