Tax Laws: Reps Deputy Spokesperson Reacts to Minority Caucus Report on Alleged Alterations
Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson for the House of Representatives, has addressed the interim report from the Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee that investigated alleged alterations in newly passed tax laws. He asserted that the findings of this committee are now outdated, as corrective measures have already been implemented by the House leadership to restore public confidence and uphold legislative authority.
The committee’s preliminary findings indicated that discrepancies existed between the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the tax laws released by the House and earlier published versions, particularly the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025. It was reported that multiple versions of this legislation were in circulation, raising concerns about procedural anomalies that might infringe on the legislative power of the National Assembly.
Agbese explained that following the release of the authentic versions of these tax reform Acts, the issues raised regarding the alleged alterations have been resolved, thereby affirming the independence of the legislative process. He highlighted that under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, the National Assembly took decisive steps to clarify the status of the tax laws and prevent any further discrepancies.
Emphasizing transparency and accountability, Agbese noted that an internal verification process was initiated to ensure only authentic versions of the law were circulated. This move reflects the commitment of the House to maintain democratic integrity and safeguard its law-making functions.
While acknowledging the right of legislators to voice concerns, Agbese contended that the proactive measures taken by the National Assembly rendered further disputes unnecessary. He reaffirmed the legislative body’s dedication to reinforcing its processes and ensuring that similar issues do not arise in the future, working collaboratively with the Senate and relevant institutions.
In conjunction with Agbese’s statements, the federal government commented on the alleged changes to the tax laws. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, suggested that the changes in question would not significantly affect key aspects of taxation, asserting that concerns about alterations are overstated and that the fundamental elements, such as tax rates and deadlines for filing, remain intact.
In summary, the House leadership’s response to the Minority Caucus report emphasizes that discrepancies in the tax laws have been addressed effectively through the release of official versions and internal verification processes. Agbese’s remarks reflect a commitment to legislative transparency while aiming to uphold public trust and authority in the nation’s tax legislative framework. The narrative illustrates a proactive approach to ensure that discrepancies are rectified and to prevent future instances of confusion regarding vital legislative documents.
