Politicians and activists actually agreed on something for once. A bunch of civil society groups, including the Parliamentary Support and Advocacy Network and the Civil Rights Situation Room on Economic Reforms, just publicly backed the National Assembly leaders over a messy tax law review. They held a press conference in Abuja where their spokesperson, Comrade Ogiri John, praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The groups called their response to public concern measured and constitutional. This whole situation is about four major new tax laws, all signed by President Bola Tinubu and set to start at the beginning of 2026. The laws are the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria Act, and the Nigeria Revenue Service Act.
The problem started when people found differences between what the lawmakers voted on and the official copies that got published. The civic groups said the Assembly's decision to check the laws again is good for democracy, but it needs to follow the facts and proper procedure. They insisted this scrutiny does not mean the Assembly messed up or is weak. They called it a responsible use of institutional power. John stated their examination showed the leadership's actions fully followed the 1999 Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, and normal parliamentary rules.
These organizations also supported a specific directive to the Clerk of the National Assembly. The Clerk was told to handle re-publishing the correct laws and to give out certified true copies. They argued this move would build transparency and public trust by guaranteeing everyone can see the real law. John said the new tax reforms will deeply change Nigeria's financial system and economy, so getting the law exactly right is a critical duty, not a delay. The groups asked everyone, including opinion leaders, to be patient and let the review finish without extra pressure. They repeated their support for big economic changes but stressed they are totally committed to the rule of law and keeping institutions honest.
The problem started when people found differences between what the lawmakers voted on and the official copies that got published. The civic groups said the Assembly's decision to check the laws again is good for democracy, but it needs to follow the facts and proper procedure. They insisted this scrutiny does not mean the Assembly messed up or is weak. They called it a responsible use of institutional power. John stated their examination showed the leadership's actions fully followed the 1999 Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, and normal parliamentary rules.
These organizations also supported a specific directive to the Clerk of the National Assembly. The Clerk was told to handle re-publishing the correct laws and to give out certified true copies. They argued this move would build transparency and public trust by guaranteeing everyone can see the real law. John said the new tax reforms will deeply change Nigeria's financial system and economy, so getting the law exactly right is a critical duty, not a delay. The groups asked everyone, including opinion leaders, to be patient and let the review finish without extra pressure. They repeated their support for big economic changes but stressed they are totally committed to the rule of law and keeping institutions honest.
