Allegations of Tampering Shake Nigeria’s New Tax Laws
Nigeria’s sweeping new tax reforms, effective January 1, 2026, are overshadowed by allegations that sections of the published laws diverge from the versions passed by parliament. According to African Business, lawmakers uncovered discrepancies suggesting unapproved changes, raising questions about legislative integrity and sparking political outrage.
Key Allegations and Discrepancies
The controversy began on December 17, 2025, when opposition lawmaker Abdulsamad Dasuki accused the government of publishing altered versions of tax laws in the official gazette under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Key discrepancies include:
- Omission of the National Revenue Service’s (NRS) explicit authority over federal taxes.
- Lowered income thresholds for maximum tax rates and shortened reporting timelines for businesses.
- Asset seizure powers bypassing judicial oversight.
- Mandatory 20% tax deposit for appeals, a provision absent in the original legislation.
- Changes mandating petroleum taxes to be paid in U.S. dollars.
Opposition leaders have called for suspending the reforms, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar labeling the alterations as “treason.” However, President Tinubu dismissed the demands, insisting on moving forward with implementation while investigations proceed.
Industry and Market Implications
The reforms represent Nigeria’s most significant tax overhaul in decades, consolidating multiple laws and offering progressive tax rates aimed at reducing burdens on low-income earners. For instance, individuals earning less than 800,000 naira annually are exempt from income tax, while businesses with turnovers below 25 million naira pay no company income taxes.
Yet the alleged tampering has created uncertainty, potentially undermining confidence in Nigeria’s tax framework. Financial analysts warn that some provisions, such as quarterly reporting for businesses and the 10% withholding tax on treasury investments, could disrupt corporate planning and investment strategies. International consultancy KPMGâs review flagged issues in 31 sections of the law, including âoppressiveâ measures for high-income earners and corporations.
Next Steps and Legal Oversight
To restore trust, the National Assembly has begun publishing certified true copies of the laws to validate their authenticity. Revisions and republication of authenticated versions are expected to clarify matters. Lawmakers have launched a formal investigation to identify those responsible for the unauthorised changes and prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, regulators, including the NRS, face mounting pressure to balance enforcement with adherence to legislative intent.
These developments raise broader questions about the rule of law and governance in Nigeria. As the nation implements reforms aimed at modernising its economy, the credibility of its legislative process will be critical to investor confidence and public trust. Could disruptions like these jeopardise Nigeria’s broader economic agenda, or will transparency resolve the issue? Only time will tell.
