Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to halt the planned rollout of Nigeria’s new tax reform laws, warning that unresolved allegations of post-legislative alterations could fatally damage their credibility.
According to Ndume, proceeding with implementation while questions linger over the authenticity of the gazetted versions risks triggering a legitimacy crisis that could undermine both public trust and the authority of the National Assembly.
The Borno South lawmaker made the call in a statement issued midweek, reacting to rising public anger over claims that the tax laws were modified after lawmakers had concluded the legislative process.
Moreover, the reforms have drawn stiff resistance from opposition figures, civil society groups, and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, all of whom have demanded a temporary suspension pending a transparent investigation.
Ndume specifically advised the President to establish an independent ad hoc committee to verify whether the version of the tax laws published by the Federal Government aligns with what lawmakers actually approved and transmitted for assent.
“In a situation like this, leadership requires caution and clarity,” Ndume said.
“The safest path is to verify the claims thoroughly and resolve the doubts before any attempt at enforcement.”
He further cautioned that ignoring the controversy could erode confidence in Nigeria’s legislative process and weaken the moral authority of the executive to enforce the reforms.
“Laws draw strength from legitimacy,” Ndume said. “If the foundation is questioned, implementation becomes almost impossible because the public will resist what it does not trust.”
Additionally, he noted that pressure on the Presidency is intensifying as more stakeholders demand accountability, stressing that suspending the laws would demonstrate responsiveness rather than weakness.
“From civil society organisations to regional groups and the NBA, the message is consistent,” he said. “Investigate the allegations of forgery fully, then act based on verified facts.”
The controversy gained further momentum after the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe (SAN), warned that the dispute threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s constitutional order.
Osigwe said allegations of altered legislation strike at the core of democratic governance and must be addressed openly to restore public confidence.
Tensions escalated further when a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, alleged that the tax laws eventually gazetted were materially different from the final version passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to the President.
Hence, as the January implementation date approaches, pressure continues to mount on the Federal Government to pause, investigate, and clarify the fate of the contentious tax reforms before they reshape Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.