The Budget Office of the Federation has pushed back against allegations that Nigeria’s recently enacted Tax Reform Acts were altered after receiving legislative approval, warning that such claims risk undermining democratic governance when driven by speculation rather than verified facts.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the agency addressed concerns raised by the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, emphasizing that the credibility of the law is a cornerstone of constitutional democracy, not a mere technical formality.
Signed by the Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, the statement described suggestions that duly debated, passed, certified, and assented laws could be secretly modified as a serious threat to the foundations of the Republic. According to the office, such claims, if left unchecked, weaken citizens’ confidence in the stability and predictability of the legal system.
At the same time, the Budget Office cautioned against the careless spread of unverified information, noting that misinformation can be just as damaging to democratic institutions as actual wrongdoing.
It stressed that governance cannot be sustained through rumours, assumptions, or documents of questionable origin, warning that public trust—once eroded by speculation—is often difficult to restore.
The agency noted that both the government and the public share a vested interest in transparency, accuracy, and adherence to due process, especially in matters of public finance, where confidence in fiscal laws is essential.
Welcoming the National Assembly’s decision to probe the allegations, the Budget Office described formal investigation as the appropriate and lawful channel for addressing concerns, rather than relying on conjecture or viral narratives.
On the issue of public access to legislation, the office agreed that Nigerians and the business community deserve clear and authoritative versions of all applicable laws. However, it clarified that the legitimacy of any statute is established through certified legislative records and official publication channels—not through informal copies circulating online.
The statement also highlighted the importance of separation of powers, warning that unsubstantiated claims that the country is being governed by “fake laws” could significantly damage confidence in democratic institutions. Nevertheless, it emphasized that legislative oversight remains a constitutional responsibility and should not be interpreted as antagonism toward the executive.
From an economic standpoint, the Budget Office explained that legal clarity is vital for accurate revenue forecasting, macroeconomic stability, credible budgeting, and sustained investor confidence. Although it does not serve as the custodian of legislative documents, the office acknowledged that uncertainty surrounding tax provisions has direct implications for economic planning.
To strengthen public confidence, the agency proposed several corrective steps, including the creation of a centralized public repository for verified legal texts, structured access to Certified True Copies for stakeholders, timely public explanations when discrepancies arise, and strict consistency between implementing regulations and authenticated laws.
Responding to calls for the suspension of the tax reforms, the Budget Office warned against allowing caution to descend into inaction. It argued that effective tax reform is critical to reducing reliance on borrowing and inflationary financing, while also easing indirect economic pressures on vulnerable populations.
The statement concluded by describing taxation as a mutual democratic obligation between citizens and the state, noting that voluntary compliance is built on openness and trust. It urged political leaders to safeguard institutions alongside political interests and encouraged citizens and businesses to depend on verified sources while avoiding the spread of unconfirmed information.
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