The Peoples Redemption Party has called for the suspension of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws, citing allegations that the version released to the public differs from the one passed by the National Assembly. The party’s demand follows claims by a member of the House of Representatives that the executive arm altered key provisions of the tax laws after their passage by lawmakers.
According to the PRP, the alleged manipulation of the tax laws is a “blatant executive misconduct” and a “flagrant disregard for constitutional sovereignty.” The party’s National Chairman, Falalu Bello, stated that the revelation by the lawmaker shows that the executive arm clandestinely altered bills after their passage by the National Assembly without legislative approval.
The tax reform laws, signed by President Bola Tinubu, aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system and are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. However, the laws faced stiff resistance during legislative consideration, particularly from some northern lawmakers, who raised concerns about their economic and regional implications.
The controversy surrounding the tax laws deepened after a lawmaker, Abdussamad Dasuki, claimed that some provisions contained in the gazetted laws were neither debated nor approved by lawmakers. The PRP is demanding a full-scale investigation into the alleged discrepancies between the laws passed by lawmakers and the version gazetted by the Federal Government.
The party has also called for those found culpable to be punished, including President Tinubu if evidence emerges implicating him in the alleged manipulations. The PRP has warned that it will approach the courts if the matter is not addressed and has urged the Federal Government to halt the implementation of the tax laws pending the resolution of the controversy.
The tax laws have attracted criticism from prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who have called for the suspension of their implementation pending clarification of the disputed provisions. The controversy has sparked concerns about the undermining of democratic governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.
