The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has raised concerns over controversies surrounding the recently enacted Tax Reform Acts, warning that the issues cast serious doubt on the integrity and transparency of Nigeria’s lawmaking process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said the developments threaten the sanctity of constitutional governance and undermine confidence in the legislative procedure that produced the laws.
Osigwe called for a comprehensive, open and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the passage of the Tax Reform Acts, stressing that such a probe is necessary to restore public trust in the National Assembly.
The NBA also urged relevant authorities to immediately suspend the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The Nigerian Bar Association (@NigBarAssoc) 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. Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be immediately suspended,” part of the statement read.
According to the association, 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 warned that such uncertainty is harmful to economic stability and incompatible with the rule of law.
