Citizen advocacy group, Citizen Monitors, has urged authorities to investigate allegations that the 2025 Tax Law was forged, warning that such claims threaten constitutional order and public confidence.

In a statement on Monday by its spokesperson and Head of Communications, Olajumoke Alawode-James, the group criticised the Federal Government’s silence on the matter.

The organisation maintained that in a democracy, no tax law can be enforced unless it is duly passed by the legislature and properly assented to.

Alawode-James stated, “A tax law not validly passed by the legislature and assented to cannot be enforced in any democracy. This is an attempt to replace legality with convenience, and it is unacceptable.”

The group emphasised that Nigerian law clearly outlines legislative procedures, especially on taxation, adding that any parallel or forged framework lacks legal validity.

It cautioned that enforcing such a document erodes transparency, due process and the authority of the legislature, while leaving citizens vulnerable to arbitrary actions.

Citizen Monitors also pointed out that the creation or circulation of forged public documents is a criminal offence under Sections 465 to 467 of the Criminal Code Act, as well as corresponding provisions of the Penal Code, which prescribe severe penalties.

Describing the development as criminal, Co-founder of Citizen Monitors, Adeshop Haastrup, said those responsible should be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

Haastrup said, “What has happened is criminal. In any serious country, those who draft, circulate, or enforce a forged law are investigated and prosecuted.

“If a government confronted by allegations of forgery will not confront the forgery of laws, what hope remains for the rule of law?”

The organisation urged the launch of an independent probe to uncover how the alleged forged or irregular document was adopted for official use, and called for those involved in drafting, distributing and enforcing the unlawful law to be held accountable.

“An independent investigation to determine how a forged or irregular document entered official use.

“Prosecution and accountability for all individuals and agencies involved in drafting, circulating, or enforcing the invalid law.

“This is not just about taxes. It is about defending constitutional governance. If forged laws can be enforced without consequence, then no citizen is safe from arbitrary power,” The statement added.

Citizen Monitors restated its commitment to accountability, transparency and citizen engagement, calling on civil society groups, professional bodies and the media to demand clarity and justice.

The controversy over the tax reforms has continued to grow in recent months.

Earlier, some civil society organisations had urged the Federal Government to explain key aspects of the new tax regime, citing concerns about implementation and public awareness.

The reforms span several major laws, including the Nigeria Tax Act and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, aimed at streamlining the tax system, eliminating overlaps and potentially expanding the tax base.

The laws have also encountered legal challenges.

However, a Federal High Court recently upheld their implementation, dismissing efforts by protesters to halt their commencement.