Senate President Godswill Akpabio has clarified that the tax reform laws which came into effect in January were not altered in any form, dismissing claims that conflicting versions of the legislation are in circulation.
He made the clarification during plenary on Wednesday, assuring lawmakers that the officially enacted laws remain intact and authentic.
Akpabio acknowledged reports suggesting that an alternative version of the tax laws was being circulated but stressed that such documents did not reflect what was duly adopted by the National Assembly. “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.
He firmly dismissed the claims, adding, “There is no adulteration. So I mean, at this stage now, you can feel bold enough to discard anything that is to the contrary.”
The Senate President explained that the reforms consist of four separate Acts, all of which have been fully processed in line with legislative procedures. “There are about four acts. So the four Acts are ready and gazetted and signed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly to avoid confusion,” Akpabio stated.
To ensure clarity and eliminate any lingering doubts, Akpabio directed the Clerk of the Senate to distribute certified copies of the gazetted Tax Reform Acts to all senators. According to him, each senator present at plenary was expected to leave with a copy, while those absent would receive theirs directly. “So every senator is expected to go home with one today. And then those who are not here, we will distribute them directly to the senators,” he said.
He further emphasized that access to the official documents must be strictly controlled to prevent misrepresentation. “This Act should not be given to any other person. It must be given by the Clerk to the Senate and certified by the Clerk of the National Assembly to avoid any confusion,” Akpabio noted.
He added that the final version reflects deliberations and agreements reached by both chambers of the National Assembly and the Committee on Harmonisation, and that it was subsequently signed into law by the President. “So, you take it directly from us. This has taken cognisance of what happened in the House of Representatives, in the votes and proceedings. And also what happened in the Senate and what happened in the Committee on Harmonisation, and signed by Mr President,” he said.
During the same plenary session, the Senate deferred consideration of the report submitted by the Committee on Electoral Matters to allow lawmakers more time to examine its contents. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele explained that the delay was partly due to the unavailability of the committee’s chairman, Senator Simon Lalong.
“But copies have been circulated. We will allow senators to go home with the report and study it, and when we come tomorrow, we will hold a brief closed-door session and debate the critical clauses of the bill and pass it,” Bamidele stated.
Responding to the proposal, Akpabio agreed that the Senate should not rush the process, stressing the importance of careful review. “We don’t need to rush the report. We will take our time and do the needful, and ensure justice is done for all and sundry,” he said.
What you should know
The clarification by Senate President Godswill Akpabio follows public speculation about conflicting versions of Nigeria’s newly implemented tax reform laws.
By confirming that the Acts were properly harmonised, certified, gazetted, and signed by the President, the Senate aims to prevent misinformation and reinforce confidence in the legislative process. The decision to distribute certified copies exclusively to senators underscores efforts to maintain legislative integrity.
Meanwhile, the Senate’s choice to delay debate on the electoral reform report highlights a cautious approach to lawmaking, prioritising thorough scrutiny over speed.
