The Nigerian House of Representatives has firmly rejected allegations that the newly passed tax legislation was tampered with or falsified.
Deputy Spokesperson, Hon. Philip Agbese, descried the controversy as “sheer mischief.”
Speaking on Sunday in Abuja, Agbese responded to claims made by Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) that discrepancies existed between the version of the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and what was assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, at least two different versions of the gazetted tax law were in circulation, raising concerns that portions of the law had been altered after legislative passage.
The lawmaker dismissed these assertions as misleading and potentially damaging to public trust in the legislature.
He said established legislative processes were followed and emphasised that there was no effort by the National Assembly to conceal or change provisions in the legislation.
“It is sheer mischief to suggest that the tax laws were falsified,” he stated, adding that both chambers remain committed to transparency, accountability and due process.
Agbese explained that the leadership of the National Assembly had already released the original bills to the public and that no report had yet been submitted by the committee.
The dispute stems from broader debate over Nigeria’s new tax regime, which has been controversial since its passage.
Critics, including members of the House’s minority caucus and opposition parties, have raised questions about inconsistencies between versions of the tax laws.
