A fresh dispute has broken out between former Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, and the House of Representatives’ Deputy Spokesman, Philip Agbese, over claims that Nigeria’s recently passed tax laws were altered after approval by the National Assembly.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, alleged during a national television interview that discrepancies exist between the version of the tax laws passed by the legislature and the copy assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, at least two different versions of the laws have since been gazetted.
However, speaking with journalists in Abuja at the weekend, Agbese dismissed the allegations as baseless and misleading, insisting that the legislative process was duly followed and that no falsification occurred.
The Green Chamber’s deputy spokesman said the House of Representatives had already set up a committee to examine concerns surrounding the tax legislation, describing suggestions of a cover-up as “sheer mischief.”
He cautioned that politicising the matter could misinform the public and undermine confidence in the National Assembly, adding that existing legislative mechanisms were sufficient to address any genuine errors or ambiguities in the laws.
Ndume, however, described Agbese’s remarks as disrespectful and insulting, arguing that the House deputy spokesman lacked the locus standi to respond to his claims. He accused Agbese of overstepping his role and called on the House leadership to caution him.
The senator maintained that the matter remains before a committee chaired by Muktar Betara, stressing that only the panel has the authority to determine whether discrepancies exist.
Ndume said his concerns stemmed from a clause-by-clause review of the Votes and Proceedings of the National Assembly, insisting that any differences—no matter how minor—should be transparently examined to reassure Nigerians and safeguard the integrity of the legislative process.
Meanwhile, tax expert and Chartered Accountant, Olayinka Oyebola, has described the Federal Government’s tax reforms as a major overhaul with far-reaching implications for individuals and businesses.
Speaking at a seminar on the implications and compliance requirements of the new tax laws, Oyebola said the reforms are designed to promote fairness, growth and compliance but warned that their success would depend largely on effective implementation and public acceptance.
He stressed the need for public enlightenment to counter misinformation and build trust among taxpayers, highlighting key provisions of the reforms. These include the replacement of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), mandatory use of Tax Identification Numbers, enhanced reliefs for small companies, revised VAT administration and strengthened dispute resolution mechanisms.
According to Oyebola, while compliance requirements may increase, the reforms are aimed at delivering a more transparent, technology-driven and equitable tax system capable of funding public services without stifling enterprise.
