The implementation of new tax laws commenced yesterday on a clearer and more transparent footing.
The National Assembly directed the release of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the harmonised bills that were transmitted by lawmakers and assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This move is aimed at ensuring full public access to the documents and allaying concerns about the authenticity of the recently passed Tax Acts.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, stated that interested members of the public would now be able to access the transmitted bills, which have been signed by President Tinubu, for independent verification.
In a statement, Ogunlana said the directive was in line with the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly in response to public debate and scrutiny over the new tax reforms.
“The leadership has directed the Clerk to make available the transmitted Tax Bills duly signed by the President, including the certified pages, to enable members of the public independently verify the facts,” Ogunlana said.
He explained that the decision was taken following allegations of discrepancies between the Votes and Proceedings of the National Assembly and the gazetted versions of the Tax Acts currently in circulation.
Despite the intense public discussion generated by the new tax reforms, Ogunlana noted that only a limited number of Nigerians had formally requested CTCs of the harmonised bills.
“Only a few requests for Certified True Copies of the harmonised Bills have been received, and all such requests have been duly processed,” he said.
Ogunlana further explained that interested persons could still apply to the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly upon payment of the prescribed fees.
He emphasised that the office of the Clerk was working closely with the Federal Government Printing Press (FGPP) to ensure the timely publication of the duly certified and assented laws.
Ogunlana said the gazetted copies were expected to be ready by yesterday.
“While the Clerk initiates the gazetting process, the statutory responsibility for printing and publication rests with the Federal Government Printing Press,” Ogunlana stated.
In the statement, signed on his behalf by the Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Ogunlana said the National Assembly has introduced new procedural safeguards aimed at preventing future controversies over legislative documents.
He noted: “To strengthen institutional processes, all Bills for presidential assent will henceforth be routed through Presidential Liaison Officers.
“No request for gazetting an Act will be entertained by the Printing Press unless initiated by the Clerk to the National Assembly or an authorised representative.”
He reassured the public that the National Assembly remains committed to transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.