Atiku, NBA Urge FG to Suspend New Tax Laws Amid Claims of Post-Approval Changes
Story: written by Uzuh Rita December 24,2025
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have called on the Federal Government to immediately pause the enforcement of the newly enacted Tax Reform Acts over allegations that the laws were altered after approval by the National Assembly.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), warned that the controversy surrounding the tax legislation poses a serious threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process and raises constitutional red flags.
Osigwe stressed the need for a thorough and transparent probe, noting that public confidence in lawmaking institutions must be preserved. He said all steps toward implementing the Tax Reform Acts should be halted until the issues are fully investigated and resolved.
The NBA further cautioned that the uncertainty generated by the dispute could unsettle investors, disrupt business activities and create compliance confusion for citizens and institutions.
Atiku also condemned the alleged alterations, describing them as a serious breach of legislative authority. He accused the executive arm of inserting stricter enforcement measures and heavier financial obligations without lawmakers’ consent.
According to Atiku, the disputed provisions reportedly grant tax officials powers to arrest individuals, seize property without court orders and carry out enforcement actions without judicial oversight.
He argued that such clauses undermine due process and place excessive pressure on Nigerians, citing requirements such as a mandatory 20 per cent deposit before challenging tax assessments and tougher compliance demands on businesses.
The controversy erupted after a lawmaker from Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, informed the House of Representatives that the version of the tax laws signed and gazetted differed from what legislators passed.
Following the claim, the House constituted a seven-member committee to investigate the matter. The tax reforms are expected to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Both Atiku and the NBA insisted that implementation should remain suspended until the probe is concluded, urging the National Assembly to reverse any unlawful changes and ensure accountability. Atiku also appealed to the judiciary, civil society groups and Nigerians to oppose what he termed an erosion of democratic principles.
