The National Assembly has commenced a formal review of the process surrounding the new tax legislation following controversies over its publication in the official gazette.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Information at the National Assembly, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, said the leadership and management of the legislature initiated the review strictly within their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
According to him, relevant committees of both chambers, working with the National Assembly management, have begun an internal assessment in line with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, the Standing Orders of the Senate and House of Representatives, and established parliamentary practice.
Bi-Allah explained that the leadership has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to collaborate with appropriate government agencies to ensure the proper publication of the Acts in the Official Gazette.
He added that certified true copies of the assented laws will also be made available to stakeholders and members of the public upon request.
He stressed that the administrative exercise is aimed solely at authenticating and formally reflecting the legislative decisions already taken by the National Assembly, noting that the review does not suggest any defect in the authority exercised by either chamber.
“The review is confined to institutional processes and is being carried out without prejudice to the powers, functions or actions of any other arm or agency of government,” Bi-Allah stated.
He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to constitutionalism, separation of powers and due process, adding that any procedural or administrative refinements identified would be addressed in accordance with the law and established parliamentary conventions.
The National Assembly also urged members of the public to allow its internal processes to proceed without speculation or conjecture.