Alleged Tax Law Alteration Sparks Transparency Row
Fresh concerns over Nigeria’s tax reform have ignited a governance debate, as questions emerge about whether due process was followed after the law left the National Assembly.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International, has raised the alarm over allegations that the Presidency assented to a tax law materially different from the version passed by the National Assembly.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC warned that if the claim is proven, it would constitute a grave breach of the Constitution, undermine legislative authority, and erode public trust in democratic institutions.
The organisation stressed that Nigeria’s law-making process is clearly defined and that any post-passage alteration of a bill strikes at the heart of the separation of powers.
It noted that taxation directly affects citizens, businesses and the wider economy, warning that uncertainty around tax laws could damage investor confidence and raise fears of executive overreach.
CISLAC described the situation as particularly troubling given the extensive public consultations that informed the law before its passage, involving civil society groups, labour unions, the private sector, sub-national governments and technical experts.
It argued that any unilateral changes outside this process would violate the principle of representation and weaken the legitimacy of the tax system.
The organisation further cautioned that introducing a disputed tax regime at a time of rising living costs, inflation and declining purchasing power could worsen economic hardship, discourage compliance and fuel public resentment.
Among its recommendations, CISLAC urged the Presidency to publish the exact version of the law assented to alongside the authenticated copy passed by the National Assembly, and called on lawmakers to exercise oversight to verify the integrity of the process.
It also advocated stronger safeguards, including digital tracking of bills and more transparent assent procedures.
CISLAC maintained that the issue transcends partisan politics, warning that allowing any arm of government to alter laws unilaterally sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n