Tax Reform Acts: NBA Demands Immediate Suspension, Investigation

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised serious concerns over the controversies surrounding the recently enacted Tax Reform Acts, warning that the issues cast doubt on the integrity, transparency, and credibility of Nigeria’s lawmaking process.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said the unfolding developments threaten constitutional governance and undermine public confidence in the legislative procedures that led to the passage of the laws.

Osigwe called for a comprehensive, open, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the enactment of the Tax Reform Acts, stressing that such a probe is essential to restoring trust in the National Assembly.

The NBA also urged relevant authorities to immediately suspend the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts pending the outcome of the proposed investigation.

“The Nigerian Bar Association considers it imperative that a comprehensive, open and transparent investigation be conducted to clarify the circumstances surrounding the enactment of the laws and to restore public confidence in the legislative process,” the statement said.

“Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be immediately suspended.”

According to the association, the legal and policy uncertainty generated by the controversy could have far-reaching consequences, including disruption of the business environment, erosion of investor confidence, and unpredictability for individuals and corporate entities required to comply with the laws.

The NBA warned that such uncertainty poses a threat to economic stability and is fundamentally incompatible with the rule of law.