The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised concerns over controversies trailing the recently enacted Tax Reform Acts, warning that the issues cast doubt on the integrity and transparency of Nigeria’s lawmaking process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said the developments pose a serious threat to constitutional governance and could erode public confidence in legislative procedures.
Osigwe called for a comprehensive, open and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the passage of the laws, stressing that such a process is necessary to restore trust in the National Assembly.
The association also urged relevant authorities to 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 NBA, the legal and policy uncertainty generated by the controversy could have far-reaching implications, 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 inconsistent with the principles of the rule of law.
