The Nigerian Presidency has firmly denied allegations that it secretly altered provisions of the country’s newly enacted tax reform laws, pushing back against growing criticism from opposition leaders, civil society groups and policy analysts who have questioned the transparency and intent of the reforms.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Presidency insisted that all provisions contained in the tax reform laws followed due legislative process, adding that no clause was amended, inserted or removed outside what was approved by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
The rebuttal comes amid mounting pressure from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, both of whom have called for the immediate suspension of the implementation of the laws, citing concerns over alleged alterations and potential economic hardship for Nigerians.
Atiku, in a strongly worded statement, accused the federal government of lacking transparency and warned that the tax reforms, as currently structured, could worsen the burden on citizens already struggling with inflation, unemployment and a rising cost of living. He urged the administration to halt enforcement and subject the laws to broader public scrutiny.
Similarly, Obi expressed reservations about the reforms, arguing that any tax policy introduced at a time of economic fragility must be handled with openness, fairness and sensitivity. He said Nigerians deserve clear explanations on how the laws were drafted, passed and approved, especially amid claims of last-minute changes.
Several civil society organisations have also joined the calls for suspension, demanding the publication of the original bills, committee reports and final versions passed by lawmakers. The groups argue that transparency is critical to rebuilding public trust in governance and economic policymaking.
In response, the Presidency described the allegations as “baseless and misleading,” stressing that the tax reform process involved consultations with relevant stakeholders, lawmakers and regulatory agencies. It maintained that the claims were politically motivated and aimed at discrediting the government’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s revenue system.
Government officials say the reforms are designed to widen the tax base, reduce leakages, improve efficiency and boost non-oil revenue, which has become increasingly important as Nigeria grapples with declining oil earnings and mounting public debt.
Supporters of the reforms within the ruling All Progressives Congress have also dismissed the criticism, arguing that opposition figures failed to implement similar measures when they were in positions of power. They contend that the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and fund critical public services.
Despite the Presidency’s assurances, analysts say the controversy highlights deeper public distrust in government policies, particularly those with direct economic implications. They warn that without clearer communication and transparency, resistance to the tax reforms could intensify.
As the debate continues, pressure is mounting on the federal government to release detailed documentation and engage critics to calm public concerns. For now, the tax laws remain in force, but the growing opposition suggests the reforms may face legal, political and social challenges in the weeks ahead.
