By Joe Udo
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised serious concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s lawmaking process following controversies surrounding the recently enacted Tax Reform Act.
In a strongly worded statement, the NBA warned that the circumstances under which the laws were passed cast doubt on the integrity, transparency and procedural sanctity of legislative processes in a constitutional democracy.
According to the association, the emerging issues strike at the core of constitutional governance and undermine public trust in laws with far-reaching economic and social implications. It stressed that lawmaking must follow due process that is transparent, accountable and beyond reproach.
The NBA called for a comprehensive, open and transparent investigation to clarify the events surrounding the enactment of the Tax Reform Acts. It further urged that all plans for the implementation of the laws be suspended until the issues are fully examined and resolved.
The association cautioned that unresolved legal and policy uncertainty could destabilise the business environment, erode investor confidence and create unpredictability for individuals and institutions required to comply with the law.
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It noted that uncertainty of this magnitude is harmful to economic stability and inconsistent with the principles of the rule of law.
The NBA emphasised that Nigeria’s constitutional democracy demands that legislation, particularly those with significant economic consequences, must emerge from credible processes that inspire public confidence.
The statement called on all relevant authorities to act swiftly and responsibly to address the controversy in the interest of constitutional order, economic stability and the preservation of the rule of law.
The statement was signed by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.
