By David Arome
Despite concerns about discrepancies between the harmonised and gazetted copies of the new tax law, the Federal Government refuses to shift its stance, as implementation takes effect on 1st January 2026.
The controversy surrounds four major tax reform bills signed into law on 26th June 2025 by President Bola Tinubu: Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.
Dasuki Pointed Out Discrepancies
During a plenary session of the House of Representatives, Wednesday, 17th December 2025, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, a Member of the House of Representatives representing the Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, raised serious concerns that the versions of the newly enacted tax reform laws, gazetted by the Federal Government after presidential assent differ materially from the versions that were debated and passed by the National Assembly.
A gazette is an official government publication used to formally promulgate laws and legal notices after legislative approval and presidential assent. It serves as an authoritative public record relied upon by government agencies, the courts, and the wider public as evidence of the law in force.
Dasuki claimed that the official gazetted text made publicly available did not reflect what was actually passed on the floor by legislators.
He pointed out that upon comparing the copies obtained from the Federal Ministry of Information with what he understood had been harmonised and approved by lawmakers, there were notable inconsistencies.
Dasuki described this as a potential constitutional breach, arguing that “what was passed on the floor is not what was gazetted,” and urged the House leadership to investigate the matter urgently.
His action led to the House setting up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged discrepancies between the gazetted laws and the versions approved by the legislature.
Coalition Groups Criticize the New Tax Regime
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) criticizes President Bola Tinubu over the tax law rollout, amidst differences between what was passed by the National Assembly and the gazette copy. The CNG described the new tax regime as an assault on democracy and democratic values.
While these reforms are part of a broader overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system, the allegation of discrepancies in the gazetted copies has sparked public debate, legal scrutiny, and demands for the suspension of implementation until clarification is provided.
X (Twitter) Community Lent their Voices
The online community on X lent its voice to the implementation of the new tax law.
I’m not against tax reform. The question is what has ordinary Nigerians benefited from the previous tax pay that warrants its reform next year? Aminu Idah stated, in reply to @PBATMediaCentre. Idah stressed that Nigeria is yet to relieve itself from the untold hardship brought by the subsidy removal. What’s the offense of poor Nigerians that your policies always targeting vulnerable people? Aminu Idah stated.
Umar Sani, the spokesperson of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council 2019, expressed deep concern about the new tax laws.
This government has consistently refused to listen to the cries of its people. It is as obstinate as it is arrogant. Nigerians protested against poor governance driven by a devastating tripod: the removal of fuel subsidy, the free fall of the naira against the dollar, and the sharp rise in electricity tariffs. None of these concerns were meaningfully addressed. Instead, the government arrogantly declared that it would proceed regardless, without any effort to cushion the harsh effects on the populace.
Now, the entire nation is pushing back against the so-called Lagos model of taxation, yet the Jagaban responds with press releases that amount to a slap in the face of Nigerians. Such impunity thrives only in a democracy stripped of real competition where elections are perceived to be products of manipulation, and where the will, welfare, and even the lives of the people are treated as expendable.
Nigerians on the Streets React
In Minna, Niger State, traders expressed mixed feelings as the implementation of the new tax regime commenced. The development reporter captures the mixed reactions.
Juliet Amos, a petty trader in Chanchaga, noted that “The new tax law is not the issue, but government commitment to streamline the revenue into tangible projects that benefit all.
Juliet enjoined the government to go beyond talking to action and imbibe the culture of accountability to the populace.
For Mama Ojoma, a local kunu Samiya seller, “the new tax law is not a blessing as many Nigerians like me are yet to understand what the new tax law entails.
She explains that the tax regime would not do any better to enhance the lives of the populace. The same assurance was given during fuel subsidy removal without any tangible development, rather worsened by government borrowing.”
Every Nigerian deserves to know the truth about the discrepancies in the new tax laws. Our taxes must translate into visible infrastructure and real benefits for the people, not empty promises. Now is the time to ask questions and hold leaders accountable.
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