The National Assembly has taken steps to address public concerns over alleged discrepancies in the Tax Acts, pledging to make certified copies of the bills signed by President Bola Tinubu available to the public.
The Director of Information, Mr. Bullah Bi-Allah, said in a statement that the Assembly has directed the Clerk to release the transmitted tax bills, including the certificate pages, enabling public verification. The action responds to perceived differences between the votes and proceedings of the National Assembly and the gazetted versions of passed tax acts.
Bi-Allah noted that the decision to release the documents was driven by public calls for transparency and would allow citizens to review and verify the bills. However, he added that despite widespread interest, only a limited number of people have formally requested Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the harmonised bills, all of which have been processed.
He explained that the Clerk is working with the Federal Government Printing Press to publish the duly certified and assented Acts in line with the law, with gazettes expected to be ready as of yesterday. Bi-Allah clarified that while initiating the gazetting process is the Clerk’s responsibility, printing and publication legally remain the mandate of the Federal Government Printing Press.
To strengthen institutional processes, the National Assembly will review procedures for the transmission and gazetting of bills. Bi-Allah stated: “Henceforth, all bills for presidential assent will be routed through presidential liaison officers. No request for gazetting an act of the National Assembly will be entertained by the printing press unless initiated by the Clerk to the National Assembly or his authorised representative.”
He concluded by appreciating Nigerians for their interest and constructive engagement in promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the legislative process.
