The management of the Nigerian National Assembly has commenced a review of the process surrounding the new tax legislation following controversy 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 legislative body were addressing the issues strictly within their constitutional and statutory mandate.
Bi-Allah explained that the relevant committees, in collaboration with the management of the National Assembly, had begun an internal review in line with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, the Standing Orders of both chambers, and established parliamentary practice.
He said the leadership had directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to work with relevant agencies to facilitate the publication of the Acts in the Official Gazette and to issue certified true copies of the assented laws to stakeholders and members of the public upon request.
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According to him, the administrative action is intended solely to authenticate and formally reflect the legislative decisions of the National Assembly.
He added that the review is confined to institutional processes and does not imply or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority by either chamber.
Bi-Allah further stated that the exercise is being undertaken without prejudice to the powers, functions, or actions of any other arm or agency of government.
“The National Assembly remains fully committed to the principles of constitutionalism, separation of powers, and due process.
“Where procedural or administrative refinements are identified, appropriate measures will be taken in accordance with the law and established parliamentary conventions.
“Members of the public are respectfully urged to allow the National Assembly’s institutional processes to proceed without conjecture,” he said.