The Minority Caucus of Representatives Demands the Suspension of Tax LawsPSAN and 99 CSOs Support NASS Regarding the Tax Reforms Act
A lawsuit to halt the implementation of the new tax rules, which are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, was heard by an Abuja High Court (a vacation court located in Abuja) on Monday.
Remember that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the tax reforms act after it was already approved by the National Assembly.
Due to alleged disparities in the tax laws, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Attorney General of the Federation, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and National Assembly (defendants) have been dragged before an Abuja High Court by Incorporated Trustees of African Initiative for Abuse Public Trustees (plaintiff).
In order to prevent the Federal Government, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), National Assembly, or any of its agencies from implementing, carrying out, and/or enforcing any of the provisions of the gazetted Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025, or the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025.
Additionally, it is requesting an order of interim injunction to prevent the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, either directly or through any Federal Government agency established under the gazetted Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025, or Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, from enforcing the provisions of those Acts of the National Assembly in any state, if applicable.
In addition, the plaintiff requested “an order directing accelerated hearing and determination of the substantive originating summons.” an order limiting the defendants’ ability to file any counter-affidavits to five days.
“An order allowing the plaintiff to serve the first, second, fourth, fifth, and sixth defendants with the originating process and any other process filed and to be served in this suit by substituted means, namely: Upon the first and second defendants by delivering to the Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja.” upon the fourth, fifth, and sixth defendants by delivering them to the National Assembly Clerk’s Office in the Three Arms Zone of Abuja. an order declaring the replacement service on the first, second, fourth, and fifth defendants, as well as the sixth through forty-first defendants, to be appropriate and legitimate.
The National Assembly, the presidency, and Nigerians are waiting for the court’s decision on the injunction, which is scheduled for Monday.
The Minority Caucus of Representatives Demands the Suspension of Tax Laws
In the meantime, the House of Representatives’ Minority Caucus has called for an urgent halt to the implementation of the newly passed Tax Reform Laws until clarity is established, warning Nigerians to ignore any unapproved copies of the legislation.
The warning coincides with mounting controversy around claims that the laws, which were approved by both National Assembly chambers and approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were illegally changed prior to being gazetted and made available to the general public. The caucus characterized the allegations as a grave danger to legislative integrity and constitutional governance.
The caucus promised Nigerians in a statement co-signed on Monday by the Minority Leader, Rep. O.K. Chinda; the Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C.; the Deputy Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki; and the Deputy Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi, that it would assist the House in determining the complete circumstances surrounding the allegations and guaranteeing accountability for those found guilty.
The Minority Caucus pointed out that a member of the House had brought up the issues in a recent plenary session, which led to the formation of a powerful committee to look into allegations that the Tax Reform Laws were improperly gazetted, fraudulently changed, and then distributed to the public.
The Caucus reminded Nigerians that the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) is in duty of sending genuine copies of passed laws to the federal body in charge of formal gazetting, highlighting established procedures for gazetting laws. The National Assembly is still legally responsible for maintaining the authentic versions of all federation laws.
The Caucus emphasized that any attempt to disseminate amended or fraudulent legislation is a direct attack on the legislature’s independence and a danger to democratic governance.
Nigerians have a right to access the original and properly verified laws that they are required to abide by, especially members of the business sector.
The Minority Caucus urged the Federal Government to halt the implementation of the Tax Reform Laws until there is clarification and certainty regarding the true versions of the laws due to the ongoing investigation.
PSAN and 99 CSOs Support NASS Regarding the Tax Reforms Act
In the meantime, at least 100 civil society organizations, led by the Parliamentary Support and Advocacy Network (PSAN) and the Civil Rights Situation Room on Economic Reforms, supported the House of Representatives leadership on Monday in Abuja, especially Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, for their handling of the ongoing review of Nigeria’s historic tax reform laws.
At a news conference in Abuja, Comrade Ogiri John praised the leaders of the National Assembly.
At the press conference, the coalition praised the Speaker and the Senate President for their “measured, constitutionally grounded, and institutionally exemplary” response to the public’s concerns on the newly approved tax legislation.
The Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025 are the four main legislation that are being examined. They signify a significant reform of the nation’s fiscal system.
Prior to their planned implementation on January 1, 2026, the laws, which were approved by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu earlier in 2025, are meant to streamline tax administration, boost revenue collection, and improve the investment climate.
Allegations of differences between the publicly gazetted copies and the versions approved by lawmakers have sparked increased public controversy in recent weeks.
However, the coalition maintained that while such criticism is beneficial to democracy, it must be grounded in procedure and evidence.
In their joint speech, John said, “We are convinced that the National Assembly leadership’s response has been exemplary in its adherence to constitutionalism and institutional self-regulation, having undertaken a careful and dispassionate examination.”
They emphasized that the 1999 constitution (as modified), the Acts Authentication Act, and established parliamentary rules are all completely compliant with the activities of the Speaker Abbas-led House and the Senate leadership.
This does not imply a loss of power or an admission of any shortcomings. Instead, it is an intentional exercise of institutional accountability, the group emphasized.
The direction to the Clerk of the National Assembly to facilitate the re-gazetting of the Acts and to furnish certified true copies upon request was particularly commended by the coalition.
The action, according to them, is essential to “enhancing transparency, restoring public confidence, and affirming that citizens and institutions must have unimpeachable access to the authentic law.”
While supporting the procedural method, Comrade John emphasized the importance of the revisions, saying, “The stakes are profound.” Nigeria’s fiscal architecture, economic incentives, investment climate, revenue mobilization, and prospects for equitable growth will all be significantly impacted by these tax reform measures.
“Making laws with precision is an obligation, not a delay. Legal certainty is a strength rather than a drawback.
The coalition urged Nigerians, opinion leaders, and other interested parties to be patient and not put undue pressure on the constitutional review process.
They emphasized their steadfast dedication to the rule of law and institutional integrity while reiterating their support for revolutionary economic reforms.
