NBA Urges Federal Government to Halt Tax Reform Acts

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded that the recently passed Tax Reform Acts be immediately suspended, citing disputes that seriously undermine the legitimacy of Nigeria’s legislative process.

The group warned that the developments strike at the core of the nation’s constitutional government and stated that the circumstances surrounding the legislation’ passing have generated serious doubts about the integrity, transparency, and credibility of the legislative process.

The NBA emphasized in a statement issued by its president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, on Tuesday that the problems with the Tax Reform Acts raised concerns about whether established legislative norms and due process were carefully adhered to in a democratic society.

In order to shed light on the circumstances behind the enactment of the laws and to rebuild public trust in the National Assembly, the NBA called for a thorough, transparent, and open investigation.

“All plans for the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be immediately suspended until these issues are thoroughly examined and resolved,” he stated.

The NBA claims that the controversy’s legal and policy ambiguity poses significant threats to economic stability.

They added that the lack of clarity might cause instability for individuals, companies, and institutions expected to adhere to the new tax regime, as well as disrupt the business environment and undermine investor confidence.

The association said that such a level of uncertainty is incompatible with the rule of law and might have serious repercussions for the economy if ignored.

The NBA emphasized the need for transparent, responsible, and impenetrable systems to produce laws with significant economic and social ramifications.

“Anything less than this weakens the foundation upon which lawful governance rests and undermines public trust,” the statement stated.

As a result, the NBA urged all pertinent authorities to take prompt, responsible action to resolve the dispute in the best interests of economic stability, constitutional order, and the upholding of the rule of law.