National Assembly clarifies alleged discrepancies in gazetted tax Acts

To review process of transmission and gazetting bills

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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The leadership of the National Assembly has moved to address public concerns over alleged discrepancies between the Votes and Proceedings of the legislature and the gazetted versions of recently passed tax Acts, assuring Nigerians of transparency in the legislative process.

In a press statement signed by its Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly on Thursday, it said it had taken note of the ongoing public discussions surrounding the tax Acts and, in response, directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to make available the transmitted tax Bills duly signed by President Bola Tinubu, including the certificate pages.

According to the statement, the decision is aimed at allowing members of the public to independently review the documents and verify the facts for themselves.

The National Assembly noted that, despite the heightened public interest, only a limited number of individuals had formally applied for Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the harmonised Bills. It added that all such requests received so far had been processed.

“Interested persons may apply to the Clerk to the National Assembly, indicating the specific Bills required and paying the prescribed fees,” the statement said.

The legislature further disclosed that the Clerk to the National Assembly is currently working with the Federal Government Printing Press to publish the duly certified and assented Acts in line with the law. The gazetted versions of the Acts are expected to be ready on or before January 1, 2026.

While clarifying roles, the National Assembly explained that, although the Clerk initiates the gazetting process, the statutory responsibility for the printing and publication of Acts rests with the Federal Government Printing Press.

As part of efforts to strengthen institutional procedures, the leadership said it is reviewing the processes for the transmission and gazetting of Bills. It announced that, going forward, all Bills meant for presidential assent will be routed through Presidential Liaison Officers.

In addition, the statement stressed that no request for the gazetting of an Act of the National Assembly will be entertained by the Government Printing Press unless such a request is initiated by the Clerk to the National Assembly or an authorised representative.

It expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their interest and constructive engagement, noting that public scrutiny contributes to strengthening transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the legislative process.