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Civil society group raises alarm over alleged discrepancies in Nigeria’s Tax Reform Acts

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CITAD

 

 

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s legislative process following allegations that the versions of the recently passed Tax Reform Acts published in the official Gazette differ significantly from those debated and approved by the National Assembly.

In a statement issued to newsmen, CITAD’s Executive Director, Malam YZ Ya’u, expressed concern over what he described as credible allegations of material changes to the tax laws. The issue was first raised on December 17, 2025, during plenary at the House of Representatives, when Honourable Abdulsamad Dasuki alleged a breach of legislative privilege. He claimed that key provisions of the tax bills passed by both chambers were altered before publication.

CITAD warned that such discrepancies raise serious constitutional, legal, and democratic questions. Under Nigeria’s Constitution, the power to make laws resides exclusively with the National Assembly. Any alteration of an Act outside the constitutionally prescribed legislative process, the group noted, amounts to an unlawful intrusion into legislative authority and a violation of the doctrine of separation of powers.

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Preliminary reviews of the gazetted tax laws suggest that the alleged changes are substantive rather than editorial. Reported areas of concern include:
– Tax computation provisions
– Appeal procedures
– Enforcement powers

According to CITAD, some of these changes appear to expand the authority of tax agencies while weakening judicial oversight and taxpayer protections. If verified, the group warned, such alterations could undermine due process and erode public trust in the tax reform agenda.

While acknowledging the House of Representatives’ decision to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the allegations, CITAD insisted that the matter requires an open, transparent, and time-bound process. The group outlined three key demands:

1. Immediate publication of the Votes and Proceedings, including Hansard records of the National Assembly on the Tax Reform Bills, alongside the gazetted versions of the Acts.
2. A thorough, independent investigation to establish what occurred, including who authorised the alleged alterations, when they were made, and under what authority.
3. Suspension of implementation of the Tax Reform Acts, including the proposed commencement date of January 1, 2026, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Call for Integrity in Governance
CITAD stressed that its position is not opposition to tax reform. Nigeria, it said, needs a fair, efficient, and modern tax system. However, reforms cannot be sustained if they are perceived to rest on unconstitutional processes or opaque practices.

“Safeguarding the integrity of the legislative process is fundamental to democracy, the rule of law, and public trust,” the statement read. CITAD urged the National Assembly to act decisively to defend its constitutional mandate and ensure full accountability in the matter.

 

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Governor Yusuf Approves 200 Riyals Support, Ihram for Each Kano Pilgrim

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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a cash support of 200 Saudi Riyals and Ihram to each intending pilgrim from the state for the 2026 hajj exercise.

 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, disclosed this on Sunday during the launch of the practical demonstration session organised by the Kano State pilgrims Welfare Board for prospective pilgrims in Kano.

 

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo explained that the exercise was organized to educate, inform, spiritually prepare the intending pilgrims for the Hajj rites from Ihram to Tawaf, from Sa’i to Arafat, from Muzdalifah to Mina and the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat.

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He stated that the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to the welfare and well-being of all the pilgrims from the state.

 

Garo said, “This demonstration is a vital aspect of Hajj preparation. Hajj is not merely a journey of travel; it is a sacred act of worship that requires adequate knowledge, discipline, patience and sincere devotion to Allah.”

 

Garo further conveyed the Governor’s goodwill gesture to the pilgrims.

 

He added, “I also wish to give the good tidings to our pilgrims that the Kano State Government has approved the sum of 200 Saudi Riyals and Ihram to each and every intending pilgrim as a compliment from His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.”

 

The Deputy Governor also revealed that the administration has secured conducive accommodation arrangements to ensure the comfort and convenience of the pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

 

According to him, the state government has equally deployed well-trained medical personnel to complement healthcare services provided by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), saying qualified Islamic scholars have also been selected to provide spiritual guidance during the exercise.

 

He urged the intending pilgrims to be worthy ambassadors of Kano State and Nigeria by obeying the laws of Saudi Arabia and conducting themselves with discipline, humility, and responsibility throughout the pilgrimage.

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6 Kano Central Senatorial Aspirants Withdraw for Senator Ibrahim Shekarau

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Six Kano Central senatorial aspirants have withdrawn for Senator Ibrahim Shekarau in the forthcoming 2027 general election.

One of the senatorial aspirants and a former Kano State Head of Service, Alhaji Usman Bala Muhammad, stated this while addressing journalists at Aminu Kano House in Abuja.

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Those that Withdraw for Malam Ibrahim Shekarau are Dr Muhammad Zango,Alhaji Danyaro Yakasai,Usman Bala Muhammad ,Shaaban Ibrahim Sharada and Shehu Isah Direba.

 

The aspirants have already purchased their nominations forms and submitted to APC secretariat before they were called for a consensus by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

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Obi Thunders at NDC Convention: ‘Rethink Now, Tyrants! Nigerians Will Reclaim Power in 2027!

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

 

The presidential hopeful of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, vowed today at the party’s national convention in Abuja to reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with the support of Nigerians.

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In his words: “To the beneficiaries of democracy who have now turned themselves into agents of destruction, depriving Nigerians of the democracy they enjoy—who think we will not have a free and fair election in 2027—let them rethink now, because we are going to have a free, fair, and credible election.”

 

The party’s convention today officially unveiled the NDC as the country’s second most vibrant opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

With both Mr. Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the NDC, and Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen in the ADC, the political atmosphere is set for a power play in 2027.

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