Senate President Rejects Claims of Altered Tax Reform Documents

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected allegations that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws were modified after being passed by the National Assembly, insisting that the final documents accurately reflect legislative decisions.

Akpabio addressed the matter during Wednesday’s plenary session, responding to concerns sparked by Abdussamad Dakuku, a member of the House of Representatives, who claimed there were differences between the tax bills approved by lawmakers and versions later seen by the public.

The senate president urged Nigerians to disregard any circulating documents not officially certified, stressing that only the gazetted and authenticated copies represent the true outcome of parliamentary proceedings.

He said the four tax-related bills completed all legislative requirements, received presidential assent, and were formally certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly to prevent misinformation.

Akpabio maintained that no changes were made to the laws outside the approved votes and proceedings, adding that the final texts incorporated agreements reached during harmonisation between both chambers before being signed into law.

To strengthen transparency, he directed the Clerk of the Senate to distribute certified copies of the tax acts to all senators, cautioning that the documents should not be released through unofficial channels. Senators absent from the session, he said, would receive their copies later.

Meanwhile, the Senate deferred consideration of the report from its Committee on Electoral Matters to allow lawmakers additional time to examine the document.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele explained that the postponement was partly due to the absence of the committee’s chairman, Simon Lalong. Although copies of the report had already been circulated, he said senators would review its contents ahead of further debate, including a planned closed-door session.

Akpabio supported the delay, stating that the Senate would prioritize careful review over rushing the process.