Why Reps Rejected the Minority Caucus’ Ad-Hoc Committee on Tax Law Changes

The House of Representatives has formally disowned an ad-hoc committee set up by its Minority Caucus to probe claims of unauthorized changes to sections of Nigeria’s recently enacted tax reform laws.

In a statement issued by House Spokesman Hon. Akin Rotimi, the chamber stressed that only the Speaker, acting on behalf of the House in plenary session, has the constitutional authority to establish ad-hoc committees for oversight or investigative purposes.

Any committee formed outside this formal process, including by political caucuses, lacks official recognition and violates the House’s Standing Orders.

The Minority Caucus had reportedly established the panel to examine allegations that certain provisions in the gazetted versions of the tax laws differed from those passed by the National Assembly, raising concerns about potential executive interference or procedural irregularities.

However, the House leadership clarified that such actions by the Minority Caucus carry no institutional weight and risk misleading the public.

It emphasized that a properly constituted bipartisan ad-hoc committee formed before the House went on recess is already tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the alleged alterations.

That committee is expected to deliver its findings during a plenary session for full debate and consideration by the entire House.

The statement reaffirms the House’s commitment to transparency and adherence to parliamentary procedures in addressing concerns over the tax reform legislation, which has sparked significant public and political debate in recent weeks.