By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency Internat...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International, has called on the Presidency to publicly release the version of the tax law recently assented to, amid allegations that it differs materially from the bill passed by the National Assembly.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation warned that if the allegations are confirmed, such an action would constitute a grave violation of the Constitution, legislative integrity, and public trust.
CISLAC stressed that Nigeria’s law-making process is clearly outlined in the Constitution, noting that any post-passage alteration of a bill undermines democratic governance and the principle of separation of powers.
The organisation further emphasised that taxation directly affects citizens, businesses, sub-national governments, and the wider economy. It warned that uncertainty or lack of transparency in tax legislation could erode investor confidence and raise serious concerns about accountability and the potential abuse of executive authority.
According to CISLAC, the situation is particularly troubling given the extensive and inclusive public consultation that informed the final version of the law before its passage. The process, it noted, brought together taxpayers, civil society organisations, professional bodies, the private sector, labour unions, local governments, and technical experts, ensuring that diverse perspectives were carefully considered and balanced.
CISLAC cautioned that any unilateral changes to the agreed provisions, made outside the established legislative process and without renewed public engagement, would breach public trust and violate the fundamental tax principle of representation.
“Such actions undermine democratic accountability, weaken the legitimacy of the tax system, and risk eroding public confidence,” the organisation said.
It also expressed concern that uncertainty over the authenticity of the tax law, coming at a time when a new tax regime is expected to take effect, could worsen the economic hardship already facing many Nigerians.
CISLAC noted that citizens are grappling with rising living costs, inflationary pressures, declining purchasing power, and limited access to basic services. Implementing a disputed tax framework under such conditions, it warned, could deepen inequality, discourage compliance, and fuel public resentment.
The organisation stressed that tax reforms must be grounded in clarity, legality, fairness, and social sensitivity. It warned that introducing a tax system without full transparency, effective public communication, and legislative certainty would weaken voluntary compliance and damage the social contract between the state and its citizens.
As part of its recommendations, CISLAC urged the Presidency to urgently publish the exact version of the tax law assented to, alongside the authenticated copy passed by the National Assembly, to enable public and institutional verification.
It also called on the leadership of the National Assembly to exercise its oversight powers by reviewing the enrolled bill process to determine whether the assented law truly reflects the will of the legislature.
CISLAC maintained that any discrepancy identified should be treated as unconstitutional and addressed through lawful means, including the re-transmission of the correct bill or judicial interpretation where necessary. It further advocated an independent review by relevant institutions, such as the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and, where appropriate, the judiciary, to establish the facts and assign responsibility.
The organisation added that the controversy underscores the need to strengthen safeguards at the interface between the legislative and executive arms of government. It recommended measures including digital tracking of bills, public access to enrolled legislation, and more transparent assent procedures.
CISLAC emphasised that the matter is not partisan but concerns the protection of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. It warned that allowing any arm of government to unilaterally alter laws passed by another sets a dangerous precedent and undermines constitutional democracy.
The organisation urged all parties involved to act with restraint, openness, and fidelity to the Constitution, stressing that Nigerians deserve laws that reflect due process, the public interest, and the collective decisions of their elected representatives.
It added that CISLAC will continue to monitor developments and engage relevant stakeholders in its commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s governance processes.
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