By Olokuta Rofiat
An activist lawyer has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly respond to allegations surrounding Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws, warning that continued silence could be seen as “mafia-like practice.”
Lawyer Maduabuchi Idam raised concerns over discrepancies between the versions of the tax reform legislation passed by the National Assembly and those published in the government gazette.
Critics claim the gazetted copies contain material changes not approved by lawmakers, sparking fears of constitutional violations.
Opposition parties, including the PDP, and civil society groups like Afenifere, have urged a suspension of the law’s planned January 1, 2026 implementation pending investigation.
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), warned that validated discrepancies could undermine governance, public trust, and investor confidence.
In response, the House of Representatives has set up an ad hoc committee to probe the alleged inconsistencies and determine any constitutional breaches.
The tax reform laws, signed by Tinubu in June 2025, aim to overhaul Nigeria’s fiscal framework.
