Abuja — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s newly implemented tax laws were altered after their passage, insisting that the Acts which took effect in January remain intact and legally sound.
Akpabio made the clarification during plenary on Wednesday, following speculations that different versions of the tax laws were in circulation.
“I understand that there is another version that was circulating around, which was not in compliance with what was contained in our votes and proceedings,” he said. “There is no adulteration. At this stage, you can confidently discard anything that is contrary.”
According to the Senate President, the tax reforms consist of four separate Acts, all of which have been duly gazetted, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, and certified by the Clerk of the National Assembly.
“To avoid confusion, these Acts have been properly certified. They reflect what was passed by both chambers and agreed upon by the Committee on Harmonisation,” Akpabio stated.
He subsequently directed the Clerk of the Senate to distribute certified copies of the gazetted Tax Reform Acts to all senators, stressing that the documents must only be obtained directly from the National Assembly.
“This Act should not be given to any other person. Every senator is expected to receive a certified copy directly from us,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Senate deferred consideration of the report by the Committee on Electoral Matters to allow lawmakers more time to study the document. Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, explained that the committee chairman, Senator Simon Lalong, was unavailable at the time.
“Copies of the report have been circulated. Senators will study it, and when we reconvene tomorrow, we will hold a brief closed-door session to debate the critical clauses and pass the bill,” Bamidele said.
Responding, Akpabio assured senators that the chamber would not rush the process.
“We don’t need to rush this report. We will take our time, do the needful, and ensure justice is done for all,” he said.
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