NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT FACES ECOWAS COURT OVER CLAIMS OF AMENDING TAX ACTS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Nigeria government has been taken to the Economic Community of West African States Court of Justice over alleged illegal modifications to the country’s newly gazetted tax laws.
The lawsuit was filed by the civic advocacy group, Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), under case number ECW/CCJ/APP/10/26.
The legal action follows earlier correspondence from NEFGAD to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly, calling for an independent investigation and appropriate sanctions regarding the alleged amendments.
NEFGAD raised concerns that certain provisions of the tax legislation may have been altered after passing through the National Assembly and receiving presidential assent. An interim review by the Assembly reportedly identified significant institutional, constitutional, and democratic issues supporting these claims.
In its suit, NEFGAD is seeking a judicial review of the legislative process that led to the post-assent changes, a declaration that the alterations were unauthorized, and the annulment or nullification of the altered Tax Administration Act, 2025, along with related laws.
The organization is also requesting that only the original texts passed by the National Assembly be recognized as law and that the government provide certified true copies of the Acts for proper public enforcement.
Additionally, NEFGAD is seeking compensation for Nigerians who may have suffered losses or had their rights infringed due to the enforcement of the altered provisions.
“This matter goes beyond routine administration or procedure. It is a constitutional concern that touches the core of democratic governance, the separation of powers, and the rule of law. Altering a law passed by the National Assembly and signed by the President without legal authority erodes public trust in government and creates uncertainty for investors,” NEFGAD stated.
The group reiterated its dedication to defending democratic institutions, promoting transparency, and ensuring that all tiers of government comply with the Constitution and international legal norms.
NEFGAD also urged civil society, the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive to collaborate in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes and safeguarding the integrity of lawmaking.
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