House Of Reps Minority Panel Probes Alleged Tampering of Tinubu’s Tax Reforms

The Minority Caucus in the Nigerian House of Representatives has established a seven‑member fact‑finding committee to investigate claims that the newly assented tax reform laws were altered after passage by the National Assembly, sparking political controversy.

The panel, chaired by Afam Ogene, is tasked with examining discrepancies between the versions of the tax laws passed by lawmakers and the copies published in the official gazette, amid allegations that key provisions were changed without legislative approval.

The move follows a motion raised by a lawmaker who insisted that the gazetted version of the tax laws differs materially from the harmonised bills passed by both chambers, leading to public debate and calls from some quarters for a suspension of the laws’ implementation.

Although a separate panel was earlier established by the Speaker to address the issue and the National Assembly ordered the re‑gazetting of the harmonised version, the minority caucus said an independent inquiry was necessary to uncover the full facts and protect national interests.

Despite the controversy and appeals for a delay, the Federal Government has maintained that the new tax regime would take effect as scheduled from January 1, 2026, under President Bola Tinubu’s directive.

The minority caucus has given the committee seven days to report back on its findings as pressure mounts from opposition members and civil society for clarity and accountability in the legislative process.