The implementation of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws commenced on Thursday, as the National Assembly directed the release of Certified True Copies of the harmonised tax bills passed by lawmakers and subsequently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The move, according to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, is aimed at granting Nigerians unrestricted access to the authentic legislative documents while addressing doubts about the credibility and integrity of the new Tax Acts.

Ogunlana stated that members of the public are now permitted to obtain copies of the transmitted bills bearing the President’s assent for personal and independent verification, noting that the decision underscores the legislature’s commitment to openness and accountability amid widespread debate over the reforms.

“The leadership has directed the Clerk to make available the transmitted Tax Bills duly signed by the President, including the certified pages, to enable members of the public independently verify the facts,” Ogunlana said.

He explained that the directive followed claims of discrepancies between the National Assembly’s Votes and Proceedings and the versions of the Tax Acts already published in the official government gazette.

Despite the intense public discourse surrounding the tax laws, Ogunlana disclosed that only a limited number of formal requests for Certified True Copies had been submitted so far.

“Only a few requests for Certified True Copies of the harmonised Bills have been received, and all such requests have been duly processed,” he said.

The Clerk added that individuals and organisations still interested in obtaining the documents could apply through the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly upon payment of the required statutory fees.

Ogunlana further revealed that his office was working closely with the Federal Government Printing Press (FGPP) to ensure the timely publication of the certified laws, adding that the gazetted versions were expected to be available yesterday.

“While the Clerk initiates the gazetting process, the statutory responsibility for printing and publication rests with the Federal Government Printing Press,” Ogunlana stated.

In the statement, which was signed on his behalf by the Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, the Clerk also announced new measures designed to prevent future disputes over legislative documents.

He said: “To strengthen institutional processes, all Bills for presidential assent will henceforth be routed through Presidential Liaison Officers.

“No request for gazetting an Act will be entertained by the Printing Press unless initiated by the Clerk to the National Assembly or an authorised representative.”

Ogunlana reaffirmed that the National Assembly remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.