Following the controversies trailing the new tax law with regards to the version passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted one by the Federal Government, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the government to in suspend the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts pending the outcome of the investigation.
This was as the NBA expressed serious concerns over controversies surrounding the enacted Tax Reform Bills, warning that the issues question the integrity and transparency of Nigeria’s lawmaking process.
The NBA in a statement by its president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, stressed that the developments threaten the sanctity of constitutional governance and undermines public confidence in the legislative procedures that produced the laws.
While demanding for a comprehensive, open, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the passage of the Tax Reform law, the NBA stressed that such a probe is crucial to restoring trust in the National Assembly.
“The NBA said it considered 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.
It further said; “Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be immediately suspended”.
The Bar emphasised that 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 NBA particularly warned that such uncertainty undermines economic stability and incompatible with the rule of law.
