From Victor Osula, Abuja
The implementation of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws commenced on New Year’s Day, as the National Assembly intensified efforts to enhance transparency and public confidence in the legislative process.
In response to growing public interest and debate surrounding the tax reforms, the National Assembly has ordered the release of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the harmonised tax bills passed by lawmakers and assented to by President Bola Tinubu.
The directive, according to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, is aimed at granting Nigerians unrestricted access to the authentic legislative documents and dispelling concerns over the credibility and integrity of the new Tax Acts.
In a statement issued on his behalf by the Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Ogunlana explained that members of the public can now obtain the transmitted bills bearing the President’s assent for personal and independent verification.
“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 noted that the move followed claims of alleged inconsistencies between the National Assembly’s Votes and Proceedings and the versions of the Tax Acts already published in the official gazette, stressing that the release of CTCs would help clarify any misconceptions.
Despite the heightened public discourse, Ogunlana disclosed that only a limited number of formal requests for Certified True Copies had been received so far.
“Only a few requests for Certified True Copies of the harmonised Bills have been received, and all such requests have been duly processed”, he stated.
He added that individuals and organisations interested in obtaining the documents could still apply through the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly upon payment of the prescribed statutory fees.
The Clerk further revealed that his office was working closely with the Federal Government Printing Press (FGPP) to ensure the timely publication of the certified laws, noting that the gazetted versions were expected to be available from yesterday.
“While the Clerk initiates the gazetting process, the statutory responsibility for printing and publication rests with the Federal Government Printing Press”, Ogunlana said.
To forestall future disputes over legislative documents, he also announced new procedural safeguards. According to him, all bills submitted for presidential assent will henceforth be routed through Presidential Liaison Officers.
In addition, he said no request for the gazetting of an Act would be entertained by the Printing Press unless initiated by the Clerk to the National Assembly or an authorised representative.
Ogunlana reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism, assuring Nigerians that the legislature remains resolute in upholding its constitutional responsibilities amid ongoing reforms.
