Following weeks of intense debate and allegations of discrepancies, the National Assembly has officially released the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the newly assented Tax Acts. The move, directed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, aims to provide independent verification of the harmonized bills signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The implementation of the reforms commenced yesterday, marked by a push for transparency to allay public concerns regarding the authenticity of the gazetted versions.
Verification and Procedural Safeguards
Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana confirmed that the leadership of the National Assembly has ordered the release of the transmitted bills, including certified pages, for public inspection. This decision follows claims that the gazetted laws in circulation did not align with the original Votes and Proceedings of the National Assembly.
Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana confirmed that the leadership of the National Assembly has ordered the release of the transmitted bills, including certified pages, for public inspection. This decision follows claims that the gazetted laws in circulation did not align with the original Votes and Proceedings of the National Assembly.
To prevent future controversies, the Assembly has introduced new safeguards:
- All bills for presidential assent must now be routed via Presidential Liaison Officers.
- Requests for gazetting will only be honored by the Federal Government Printing Press if initiated by the Clerk or an authorized representative.
Voices of Support and Caution
While the reforms are now in motion, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to show “wisdom and restraint.” CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, emphasized that fiscal policies must translate into affordable food and accessible healthcare for the common man.
While the reforms are now in motion, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to show “wisdom and restraint.” CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, emphasized that fiscal policies must translate into affordable food and accessible healthcare for the common man.
Conversely, Mrs. Gladys Simplice, former President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), defended the laws, noting that the loudest opposition comes from high-income earners. She highlighted that the new framework exempts Nigerians earning under ₦300,000 annually and protects small businesses with turnovers below ₦100 million.
Tech to the Rescue: Kaanta AI Launched
To bridge the information gap, tech expert Oluwaferanmi Oladepo has launched Kaanta, a WhatsApp-based AI tool. The tool allows traders and SMEs to calculate taxes and understand compliance in local languages, including Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Pidgin, ensuring that the complex reforms are accessible to all Nigerians.
To bridge the information gap, tech expert Oluwaferanmi Oladepo has launched Kaanta, a WhatsApp-based AI tool. The tool allows traders and SMEs to calculate taxes and understand compliance in local languages, including Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Pidgin, ensuring that the complex reforms are accessible to all Nigerians.