The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed serious concerns over controversies surrounding the recently enacted Tax Reform Acts, warning that the issues raise questions about the integrity and transparency of Nigeria’s lawmaking process.
In a statement on Tuesday, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said the developments threaten the sanctity of constitutional governance and undermine public confidence in the legislative procedures that produced the laws.
Osigwe called for a comprehensive, open, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the passage of the Tax Reform Acts, emphasising that such a probe is crucial to restoring trust in the National Assembly.
The NBA also urged relevant authorities to suspend the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The Nigerian Bar Association (@NigBarAssoc) 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.
“Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be immediately suspended,” the statement read.
According to the NBA, the legal and policy uncertainty arising from 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 association warned that such uncertainty undermines economic stability and is incompatible with the rule of law.