The House of Representatives Minority caucus has announced the formation of a seven-member committee to investigate claims that recently assented tax reform laws were altered after being passed by the National Assembly.
Led by Afam Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, the panel is tasked with examining the alleged discrepancies and advising the caucus on measures to protect the national interest.
The move follows a motion raised during plenary by Abdussamad Dasuki, a representative from Sokoto State, who alleged that the tax laws published in the official gazette differ materially from the harmonised versions passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Although Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had previously set up a panel to review the matter and directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to re-gazette the harmonised version, the opposition caucus deemed a separate inquiry necessary.
In a statement on Friday, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, along with three other caucus leaders, said the decision followed consultations with stakeholders amid concerns over the government’s rollout of the new tax regime, which took effect on January 1, 2026, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
Chinda said the caucus sought an independent investigation “to establish the facts and uncover the truth surrounding the tax laws” and pledged to pursue the matter “to its logical conclusion” in the interest of Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.
The committee’s terms of reference include obtaining copies of the tax laws as passed and assented, securing the gazetted version, comparing both documents, and recommending actions if irregularities are found.
Members of the panel include Jonathan Gbefwi, Shehu Fagge, Aliyu Garu, Stanley Adedeji, Ibe Okwara, and Marie Ibikake. The committee is expected to submit its findings to the caucus within seven days.
The Minority caucus reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasizing that the inquiry aims to ensure Nigerians are not short-changed by any unlawful changes to the tax reform laws.
