National Assembly Moves to Quell Tax Act Controversy, Releases Signed Bills
The leadership of the National Assembly has stepped in to address growing public debate over alleged discrepancies between its Votes and Proceedings and the gazetted versions of recently passed Tax Acts.
In a move aimed at boosting transparency, the Assembly has directed the Clerk to release the transmitted Tax Bills duly signed by the President, including their certificate pages.
According to the statement signed by Mr Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Director of Information, for the Clerk to the National Assembly, this release will enable members of the public to independently examine the documents and verify the facts.
Despite intense public interest, the Assembly disclosed that only a limited number of individuals have formally applied for Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the harmonised Bills. All such requests, it said, have been fully processed. Members of the public seeking CTCs have been advised to apply to the Clerk of the National Assembly, specifying the Bills required and paying the prescribed fees.
The Clerk is also collaborating with the Federal Government Printing Press to ensure the publication of the duly certified and assented Acts, in line with legal requirements. According to the Assembly, the official Gazettes are expected to be ready on or before January 1, 2026. While the Clerk initiates the gazetting process, responsibility for printing and publication lies with the Federal Government Printing Press.
To prevent future disputes, the National Assembly announced a review of its procedures for the transmission and gazetting of Bills. Going forward, all Bills for presidential assent will be routed through Presidential Liaison Officers, and the Printing Press will only act on gazetting requests initiated by the Clerk of the National Assembly or an authorised representative.
The Assembly thanked Nigerians for their vigilance and constructive engagement, noting that public interest plays a vital role in strengthening transparency, accountability and professionalism in the legislative process.
