The Nigerian budget office is pushing back hard against claims that the new tax laws were secretly altered. Director General Tanimu Yakubu issued a statement warning against "governance by speculation" following allegations from the House minority caucus that the recently enacted Tax Reform Acts were changed after passage and presidential assent. He argued that such unverified claims threaten democratic stability and public trust in the legality of fiscal laws, which is essential for economic planning and investor confidence.
Yakubu stressed the sanctity of the legislative process, stating any post-enactment modification without due process would strike at the core of the republic. He welcomed the National Assembly's decision to formally investigate the allegations, calling institutional inquiry the proper response. The statement clarified that the authenticity of any law is determined by certified legislative records and official publication, not viral documents, while acknowledging the public's right to clear, authoritative legal texts.
To restore confidence, the Budget Office proposed publishing verified reference texts in a single public repository and ensuring all implementing regulations strictly align with authenticated versions. It cautioned against suspending the reforms, arguing that properly implemented tax changes are needed to reduce borrowing and ease burdens on vulnerable citizens. The office framed taxation as a democratic covenant requiring transparency and trust, urging political actors to protect institutions and citizens to rely only on verified sources.
Yakubu stressed the sanctity of the legislative process, stating any post-enactment modification without due process would strike at the core of the republic. He welcomed the National Assembly's decision to formally investigate the allegations, calling institutional inquiry the proper response. The statement clarified that the authenticity of any law is determined by certified legislative records and official publication, not viral documents, while acknowledging the public's right to clear, authoritative legal texts.
To restore confidence, the Budget Office proposed publishing verified reference texts in a single public repository and ensuring all implementing regulations strictly align with authenticated versions. It cautioned against suspending the reforms, arguing that properly implemented tax changes are needed to reduce borrowing and ease burdens on vulnerable citizens. The office framed taxation as a democratic covenant requiring transparency and trust, urging political actors to protect institutions and citizens to rely only on verified sources.
