ABUJA, Jan. 26 – Tensions have escalated in the Nigeria House of Representatives over the recently gazetted tax reform laws, as the lower chamber rejected an interim report by its Minority Caucus alleging illegal alterations to the legislation. The disagreement highlights procedural disputes and raises questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.
On Friday, January 23, 2026, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives released an interim report claiming discrepancies between the versions of several tax reform Acts passed by the National Assembly and the copies later gazetted by the government. The caucus said multiple versions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 were in circulation, potentially undermining the legislative mandate.
The ad hoc panel, constituted by the caucus on January 2, 2026, was responding to concerns first raised in December 2025 by Rep. Abdulsamad Dasuki about unauthorized alterations to the tax laws. The panel’s report alleged that changes could expand enforcement powers and modify reporting thresholds without lawmakers’ approval.
However, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the House of Representatives dismissed the Minority Caucus report. Akin Rotimi, the House spokesperson, said the report was “non‑binding, informal, and without legal or institutional consequence,” stressing that it did not represent the position of the House.
Rotimi explained that caucuses, whether majority or minority, do not have constitutional authority to conduct formal investigations or produce reports for legislative record. “Only the House in plenary or committees established by the Speaker have such powers,” he added.
The House also noted that a bipartisan ad hoc committee, properly constituted in December 2025, is reviewing the tax reform laws and will present its findings to the plenary. Official Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the tax Acts have already been published, the leadership said, ensuring the legislative process is complete.
Responding to the dismissal, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, chair of the Minority Caucus panel, said the report was meant to expose efforts that could undermine legislative independence. He described attempts to downplay the report as “impunity” and warned that ignoring procedural concerns could weaken oversight.
Observers say the dispute in the House of Representatives reflects broader tensions in Nigerian governance over the landmark tax reform, which was passed in June 2025 and implemented from January 1, 2026. The law expanded the tax net and updated administrative procedures, drawing both support and criticism from lawmakers, civil society groups, and the public.
As the formally constituted committee continues its review, the split between the House leadership and the Minority Caucus underscores ongoing debates over procedural authority, accountability, and public trust in Nigeria’s legislative process.
A rift has emerged in Nigeria’s House of Representatives over the Minority Caucus’s interim report on the 2025 tax reform laws, raising questions about legislative process and oversight.
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