NEFGAD CALLS ON TINUBU, NASS TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED ILLEGAL CHANGES TO TAX LAWS

The Network for the Actualization of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD) has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly, calling for an immediate investigation into what it described as confirmed unlawful alterations to Nigeria’s newly gazetted tax laws.

In a letter dated Monday and signed by NEFGAD’s Acting Head, Barrister Blessing Nnekwu Ojo, and addressed to the President and the leadership of the National Assembly, the civic advocacy group expressed deep concern over changes allegedly made to the tax laws after they had been duly passed by the legislature and assented to by the President.

NEFGAD described the alleged alterations as a serious violation of constitutional order, legislative integrity, and democratic governance.

The group urged President Tinubu to mandate an independent probe to establish where the legislative process was compromised, determine the extent of the alterations, and ensure that all individuals, offices, or agencies involved are sanctioned in line with the Constitution and existing Nigerian laws.

According to the group, “A law passed by the National Assembly constitutes the final and authoritative expression of legislative intent. Any alteration—whether by omission, substitution, or addition—represents a grave breach of due process, public trust, and the rule of law.”

NEFGAD warned that such actions undermine the principle of separation of powers, threaten fiscal stability, weaken investor confidence, and could damage Nigeria’s international standing.

The group further cautioned that failure to take swift corrective action may compel it to seek judicial remedies, including approaching the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, over what it described as legislative impunity and institutional abuse.

“This issue goes beyond administrative concerns; it is constitutional and fundamental to the survival of Nigeria’s democracy. The country expects prompt action, transparency, and accountability,” the statement said.

NEFGAD reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that Nigeria’s governance processes remain credible, lawful, and transparent.