Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed allegations that Nigeria’s newly implemented tax laws were altered after their passage by the National Assembly, insisting that the final versions accurately reflect legislative decisions.
Akpabio addressed the issue during plenary on Wednesday, following concerns raised by Abdussamad Dakuku, a member of the House of Representatives, who alleged discrepancies between the tax reform bills approved by lawmakers and versions later circulated publicly.
The Senate President said any document circulating outside the officially certified copies should be ignored, stressing that only the gazetted and duly signed versions represent the true outcome of deliberations by both chambers of the National Assembly.
“I am aware that another version has been in circulation which does not align with our votes and proceedings,” Akpabio said, adding that there was “no adulteration whatsoever” of the laws passed by parliament.
He explained that four tax-related Acts had completed the full legislative process, received presidential assent, been gazetted, and certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly to eliminate any confusion.
“The four Acts have been signed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, gazetted, and certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly,” he said, noting that the documents reflect resolutions reached during the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives.
To further assure lawmakers, Akpabio directed the Clerk of the Senate to distribute certified copies of the tax reform laws to all senators, warning that the documents must not be released through unofficial channels.
“Every senator is expected to go home with a certified copy today,” he said, adding that those absent would receive theirs directly.
He emphasised that only documents issued by the Clerk should be recognised, in order to prevent speculation and misinformation.
According to Akpabio, the final texts incorporated proceedings from both chambers, including decisions reached by the harmonisation committee, before receiving presidential assent.
Meanwhile, the Senate deferred consideration of the report of its Committee on Electoral Matters to allow members more time to study the document.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the postponement was partly due to the absence of the committee chairman, Senator Simon Lalong. He added that although copies of the report had been circulated, senators would review it further ahead of detailed deliberations, including a possible closed-door session.
Akpabio supported the delay, noting that the Senate would prioritise careful scrutiny over haste.
“We don’t need to rush the report,” he said, assuring that due process and fairness would guide its consideration.