The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has accused elements within the Executive arm of government of allegedly altering provisions of recently enacted tax reform laws signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raising concerns over constitutional compliance and legislative integrity.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the group, through its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, claimed that sections of the tax reform bills passed by the National Assembly were substantially modified before being gazetted, without the approval or knowledge of lawmakers.
According to the coalition, the alleged changes amount to an unlawful encroachment on the powers of the legislature and pose a threat to the principle of separation of powers enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution. The group warned that such actions, if confirmed, could weaken public confidence in the country’s democratic and legal institutions.
The CNG stated that the tax reform bills underwent legislative debate and public hearings before being duly passed, but were later altered by unidentified officials prior to their final publication. It described the development as disturbing and called for the immediate suspension of the implementation of the affected tax laws pending investigation.
Among the concerns raised, the coalition alleged that provisions relating to Petroleum Income Tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) were removed from the gazetted version of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, despite being included in the version approved by the National Assembly.
The group also claimed that certain sections were amended to mandate the use of foreign currency for tax computation, a change it said could have implications for national sovereignty, inflation, and economic stability.
Additionally, the coalition alleged that new provisions were inserted into the law without legislative approval, including requirements compelling taxpayers to deposit a portion of disputed tax assessments before exercising the right of appeal. According to the group, such measures could restrict access to justice and disproportionately burden citizens and businesses.
The CNG further expressed concern over what it described as expanded powers granted to tax authorities, including the ability to initiate garnishee actions without court orders, which it said could undermine due process.
Beyond legal issues, the coalition questioned the broader direction of the tax reform agenda, suggesting it may reflect external economic influences rather than domestic priorities. It cited concerns over international partnerships entered into without adequate public or parliamentary scrutiny.
The group called on the National Assembly to conduct an independent, transparent, and time-bound investigation into the allegations, including a clause-by-clause comparison of the bills passed by lawmakers and the versions that were eventually gazetted.
It also demanded that any individuals or agencies found responsible for unauthorized alterations be publicly identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The coalition warned that failure to address the allegations could lead to constitutional disputes, economic uncertainty, and increased public distrust in governance.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s lawmaking process must be protected,” the statement said. “Democracy cannot thrive where due process is compromised.
