Nigeria's Tax Watchdog Calls Out Legislative Integrity Crisis
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has fired a warning shot at the heart of Nigeria's democratic process, exposing what could be a dangerous breach of legislative integrity that threatens the very foundation of our governance system.
In a bold position paper released Wednesday, CITN President Innocent Ohagwa didn't mince words about the alleged discrepancies between the 2025 tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions that were eventually gazetted. This isn't just about paperwork, this is about the sanctity of our democratic institutions.
When Laws Don't Match What Parliament Passed
The controversy erupted when lawmakers, led by Sokoto's Abdussamad Dasuki, raised the alarm about suspicious differences between what they voted on and what ended up in the official gazette. These tax laws, signed by President Bola Tinubu and set to take effect January 1, 2026, are now under intense scrutiny.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has already constituted a seven-member investigative committee chaired by Mukhtar Betara to get to the bottom of these allegations. This is exactly the kind of swift action our institutions need to take when their credibility is on the line.
CITN Stands Firm on Constitutional Standards
The tax institute's position is crystal clear and uncompromising. "The integrity of the legislative process is fundamental to the rule of law, good governance and public confidence in democratic institutions," Ohagwa declared.
CITN's concerns go beyond mere procedural issues. They're warning that if these discrepancies are confirmed, they could:
- Undermine the supremacy of our legislature
- Create dangerous legal ambiguity and compliance risks
- Erode public and investor confidence
- Expose taxpayers and professionals to unintended liabilities
- Weaken trust in our governance institutions
The Technical Reality of Tax Law
As Nigeria's premier tax institution, CITN understands something many don't: tax legislation demands absolute precision. "Even minor alterations can have disproportionate consequences," the institute warned, emphasizing that taxation thrives on the exactitude of legislation.
This isn't about bureaucratic perfectionism. It's about protecting Nigerian businesses, professionals, and citizens from the chaos that comes with unclear or altered laws.
A Call for Immediate Action
CITN isn't just pointing out problems, they're demanding solutions. Their recommendations are straightforward and urgent:
- Immediate verification by comparing National Assembly versions with gazetted Acts
- Clear public clarification where discrepancies exist
- Prompt corrective action following constitutional procedures
Looking ahead, they're also pushing for systemic reforms including strengthened document control, clear audit trails, enhanced inter-institutional checks, and structured stakeholder review for major tax legislation.
Standing Ready to Serve Nigeria
True to their professional mandate, CITN concluded by offering their technical expertise to help resolve this crisis. "We stand ready to offer our technical expertise and professional support to all relevant authorities," they declared, showing the kind of patriotic commitment our institutions need.
This controversy highlights a crucial truth: the strength of our democracy depends on the integrity of our legislative process. When laws can be altered after parliamentary passage, we're not just facing a procedural problem, we're confronting a threat to the very foundation of our constitutional order.
The National Assembly's swift response through the investigative committee shows our democratic institutions are capable of self-correction. Now it's time to ensure this never happens again and that Nigeria's tax system operates with the clarity, certainty, and transparency our economy deserves.