Presidency Pushes Back as Atiku, Obi Clash

By Wellington Jopelo

The Presidency has rejected accusations that Nigeria’s newly signed tax reform laws were secretly modified after being approved by the National Assembly, insisting that the legislation followed due process from start to finish.

The denial comes amid growing pressure from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and several civic groups, all calling for the suspension of the laws’ implementation pending clarification of alleged discrepancies.

The tax reforms, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, represent one of the most far-reaching changes to Nigeria’s tax framework in recent history. President Bola Tinubu signed four bills into law as part of an effort to restructure tax collection and administration across all levels of government.

The new legal framework brings together the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act under a unified authority known as the Nigeria Revenue Service. According to the Federal Government, the reforms aim to reduce multiple taxation, widen the tax net, simplify compliance, and modernise revenue systems nationwide.

However, controversy erupted after a lawmaker alleged that the versions of the laws released to the public did not fully align with what lawmakers debated and approved. The claim sparked concern within the House of Representatives, prompting the Speaker to set up a special committee to investigate the matter.

Some lawmakers warned that any post-passage changes could weaken the legal standing of the laws and raise serious constitutional questions. The House has since begun examining legislative records, harmonised drafts, and voting proceedings to determine whether any unauthorised changes were made.

In response, the Presidency dismissed the allegations as speculative and politically motivated. Presidential aides insisted that no evidence has been presented to prove that the laws were altered and maintained that the reforms remain legally valid.

They stressed that implementation preparations have been ongoing for months and would not be derailed by what they described as attempts to stir controversy around government policy. According to the Presidency, the appropriate step is to allow the National Assembly committee to complete its review rather than halting the reforms.

Despite these assurances, opposition figures remain unconvinced. Atiku Abubakar called for a pause in implementation until a full investigation is concluded, arguing that public trust depends on transparency and strict adherence to legislative procedures.

Peter Obi also expressed concern, warning that the allegations point to a deeper governance problem. He said Nigerians should not be asked to bear heavier tax obligations without clarity and openness in how laws are made and enforced.

Other political groups echoed similar views, describing the tax reforms as harsh and warning against the concentration of excessive powers in revenue authorities. Some civil society groups have also begun mobilising public opposition, claiming the reforms could disproportionately affect workers, small business owners, young people, and informal sector operators.

The Presidency, however, remains firm that the reforms will proceed as planned, insisting that the outcome of the legislative probe will address all concerns while keeping the January 2026 timeline intact.

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