PDP seeks six-month delay in tax laws rollout over alleged discrepancies

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Federal Government to postpone the implementation of the newly gazetted tax laws by six months, citing alleged discrepancies between the versions passed by the National Assembly and those published officially.

The tax laws are scheduled to take effect from January 2026.

The opposition party’s demand followed claims by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, a member of the House of Representatives from Sokoto State, that the gazetted copies of the tax laws differ from the harmonised legislation approved by parliament. Dasuki said copies obtained from the Ministry of Information revealed insertions and substitutions not debated or passed by lawmakers.

“What was passed on the floor is not what is gazetted,” Dasuki alleged, warning that the situation amounts to a constitutional breach capable of undermining legislative integrity.

In response, the House of Representatives on Thursday constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee to investigate the matter. The panel, chaired by Hon. Muktar Betara, includes Idris Wase, James Faleke, Sada Soli, Iduma Igariwey, Fredrick Agbedi and Babajimi Benson. The committee is expected to compare the enacted bills with the gazetted versions and establish the extent of the discrepancies.

In a statement, PDP spokesman, Ini Ememobong, said the proposed six-month extension is necessary to allow for a thorough investigation and public enlightenment.

“This criminal act of inserting unenacted provisions into laws can erode public trust in the legislative process,” Ememobong said, adding that Nigerians deserve assurance that the laws they obey are duly enacted by their elected representatives.

The PDP also urged the leadership of the House not to treat the issue lightly, insisting that the commencement date of the tax laws should be shifted to allow proper scrutiny, publication of the correct versions and adequate sensitisation of the public.

Beyond the tax controversy, Ememobong criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration over what he described as Nigeria’s declining global standing, citing recent diplomatic and security challenges, including visa restrictions imposed by the United States and regional security concerns.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to focus more on governance than politics, urging increased investment in security, infrastructure, education and healthcare, rather than early preparations for the 2027 general elections.