RismadarVoice Reporters
January 28, 2026
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s newly implemented tax laws were altered after passage, insisting that the versions signed into law remain authentic, unadulterated.
Akpabio made the clarification during plenary on Wednesday, following speculations that multiple versions of the tax laws were in circulation.
“I understand that there is another version that was circulating around, which was not in compliance with what was contained in our votes and proceedings,” Akpabio said. “There is no adulteration. At this stage, you can feel bold enough to discard anything that is to the contrary.”
He explained that the tax reforms comprise four separate Acts, all of which have been duly gazetted, signed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly to eliminate any ambiguity.
To forestall further confusion, the Senate President directed the Clerk of the Senate to immediately distribute certified copies of the Acts to all senators, stressing that the documents must not be released to unauthorised persons.
“Every senator is expected to go home with one today. Those who are not here will receive theirs directly,” Akpabio said. “This Act should not be given to any other person. It must be given by the Clerk to the Senate and certified by the Clerk of the National Assembly.”
He added that the certification process took into account proceedings in both chambers of the National Assembly, the harmonisation committee’s work, and the final assent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Meanwhile, the Senate deferred consideration of the report of its Committee on Electoral Matters to allow lawmakers additional time to study its contents.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, explained that although copies of the report had been circulated, the committee chairman, Senator Simon Lalong, was not immediately available.
“Copies have been circulated. We will allow senators to go home with the report and study it. When we reconvene tomorrow, we will hold a brief closed-door session to debate the critical clauses of the bill and pass it,” Bamidele said.
Responding, Akpabio supported the decision to delay deliberations, noting that there was no need to rush the process.
“We will take our time, do the needful, and ensure justice is done for all and sundry,” the Senate President assured.
