The Federal Government is in full damage-control mode, scrambling to assure Nigerians that there is only one “real” version of the controversial new tax reform laws. This comes after a wave of accusations that the laws were secretly altered after leaving the National Assembly. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, took to the podium in Abuja to downplay the growing scandal, insisting that the government’s version is the only one that counts.

Idris flatly denied any tampering, brushing off the allegations as baseless. He declared that the document signed by President Bola Tinubu is the “sole valid” law, and that the government is moving ahead with implementation,no questions asked. “The Federal Government is going ahead with the commencement of implementation, noting as changed,” Idris said, as if that settles the matter. The administration is touting its supposed commitment to due process and transparency, despite the mounting skepticism.

Trying to paint a picture of a flawless legislative process, Idris claimed the tax laws underwent “extensive consultations, debates, and scrutiny” before reaching the President’s desk. Yet, he admitted that even lawmakers are raising red flags about discrepancies between what they passed and what was published. Idris quickly distanced the executive from the mess, saying it’s up to the National Assembly to sort out any “internal” issues,effectively washing his hands of the controversy.

“I think it is important for us to wait for the National Assembly to look at this again to tell us whether there were discrepancies or not,” the minister said, dodging responsibility. “This is, at this point, an affair of the National Assembly to which I have no jurisdiction, and I have no authority to speak about. As far as the government of Nigeria is concerned, there’s only one version of that tax document.”

The firestorm was ignited by Abdussamad Dasuki, a House of Representatives member from Sokoto State, who sounded the alarm on the House floor. Dasuki alleged that the gazetted version of the tax laws contained provisions never debated or approved by lawmakers, raising serious questions about the integrity of the legislative process and the authenticity of the law itself.

The tax reform laws, set to take effect January 1, 2026, have been controversial from the start. President Tinubu signed them into law despite fierce opposition, especially from northern lawmakers worried about the economic fallout for their regions. The government’s rush to implement the reforms has only fueled suspicions.

The uproar has drawn in political heavyweights. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have both demanded a halt to the new tax laws until the alleged discrepancies are addressed. They warn that pushing ahead could destroy public trust and wreak havoc on the economy.

Meanwhile, Taiwo Oyedele, head of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, is echoing the government’s line, dismissing talk of secret changes as “false.” He’s warning of dire consequences if the reforms are delayed, urging everyone to focus on the supposed benefits,like increased revenue and better compliance,while critics say the real issues are being swept under the rug.

Despite the government’s repeated assurances, the controversy is only growing, with political and economic circles demanding answers. The National Assembly is now under pressure to conduct a “thorough review” to restore public confidence and ensure the law actually reflects what lawmakers intended. But with the government barreling ahead, many are left wondering if transparency and legislative integrity are just empty slogans.

As the tax reform saga unfolds, the spotlight is firmly on the National Assembly’s next move and whether the government will be forced to come clean. The outcome could reshape Nigeria’s fiscal landscape,or deepen public distrust in the system.