The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised concerns over controversies surrounding the recently enacted Tax Reform Acts, warning that the development casts doubt on the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s legislative process.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association said the circumstances trailing the passage of the laws strike at the core of constitutional governance and threaten the procedural sanctity required in a democratic system.
According to the NBA, the issues surrounding the enactment of the Tax Reform Acts raise fundamental questions about transparency, accountability and adherence to due process in lawmaking.
“The controversies that have emerged in relation to the recently enacted Tax Reform Acts raise grave concerns about the integrity, transparency, and credibility of Nigeria’s legislative process,” Osigwe said.
Call for Probe, Suspension of Implementation
The association called for a comprehensive, open and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the enactment of the laws, stressing that such a step is necessary to restore public confidence in the legislative process.
The NBA further urged that all plans to implement the Tax Reform Acts be suspended until the issues are thoroughly examined and resolved.
“Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be immediately suspended,” the statement added.
Economic, Legal Implications
The NBA warned that the uncertainty generated by the controversy could have far-reaching consequences for the economy, noting that unclear laws unsettle the business environment and erode investor confidence.
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It explained that individuals, businesses and institutions required to comply with the laws could face unpredictability, a situation it described as inimical to economic stability and the rule of law.
“Legal and policy uncertainty of this magnitude unsettles the business environment, erodes investor confidence, and creates unpredictability for those required to comply with the law,” Osigwe said.
Rule of Law at Stake
The association emphasised that Nigeria’s constitutional democracy demands that laws, particularly those with significant economic and social implications, must emerge from processes that are transparent, accountable and beyond reproach.
According to the NBA, any deviation from this standard undermines public trust and weakens the foundations of lawful governance.
The association therefore called on all relevant authorities to act swiftly and responsibly to address the controversy, in the interest of constitutional order, economic stability and the preservation of the rule of law.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
