The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has asked President Bola Tinubu to set up an independent panel to examine claims that recently gazetted tax laws are not the same as the versions approved by the National Assembly. The group made the request in a letter dated Saturday, signed by its
deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
SERAP said the panel should review the lawmaking process and find out whether any changes were made after lawmakers passed the bills. It also asked that those found responsible for any changes be identified and prosecuted where necessary. The organisation suggested that the panel be led by a retired justice of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal and that its findings be released to the public.
In addition to the inquiry, SERAP urged the President to order the publication of certified true copies of the tax bills received from the National Assembly and the final laws signed and gazetted by the Federal Government. It said this would allow Nigerians to compare the documents and understand what was eventually approved.
The documents listed include the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the National Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria Establishment Act. SERAP also asked the Attorney General of the Federation to explain whether the bills passed by lawmakers are the same as the laws that were signed and published.
The group warned that any unlawful changes would breach the Constitution, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. It said laws must be clear, authentic, accessible, and predictable so citizens can know their obligations.
SERAP linked its request to complaints raised in the National Assembly, where a lawmaker from Sokoto State reportedly drew attention to differences between the bills approved by both chambers and the versions gazetted. According to the organisation, lawmakers alleged that some provisions were added, removed, or altered without approval, including clauses on enforcement powers, financial penalties, and reporting duties.
SERAP gave the government seven days to act on its request. It said it would take legal steps in the public interest if there is no response within the stated period.
SERAP said the panel should review the lawmaking process and find out whether any changes were made after lawmakers passed the bills. It also asked that those found responsible for any changes be identified and prosecuted where necessary. The organisation suggested that the panel be led by a retired justice of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal and that its findings be released to the public.
In addition to the inquiry, SERAP urged the President to order the publication of certified true copies of the tax bills received from the National Assembly and the final laws signed and gazetted by the Federal Government. It said this would allow Nigerians to compare the documents and understand what was eventually approved.
The documents listed include the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the National Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria Establishment Act. SERAP also asked the Attorney General of the Federation to explain whether the bills passed by lawmakers are the same as the laws that were signed and published.
The group warned that any unlawful changes would breach the Constitution, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. It said laws must be clear, authentic, accessible, and predictable so citizens can know their obligations.
SERAP linked its request to complaints raised in the National Assembly, where a lawmaker from Sokoto State reportedly drew attention to differences between the bills approved by both chambers and the versions gazetted. According to the organisation, lawmakers alleged that some provisions were added, removed, or altered without approval, including clauses on enforcement powers, financial penalties, and reporting duties.
SERAP gave the government seven days to act on its request. It said it would take legal steps in the public interest if there is no response within the stated period.
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