Reps Rejects Minority Caucus Committee Report on Tax Laws

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The House of Representatives has rejected claims that its Minority Caucus constituted an ad hoc committee to re-examine recently enacted tax laws, insisting that such a move has no legal or parliamentary backing.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jnr, clarifies that only committees constituted by the House in plenary or by the Speaker are recognised under parliamentary procedure.

He stressed that political caucuses—whether majority or minority—do not possess the authority to establish investigative or oversight committees.

“No political caucus, whether majority or minority, has the procedural authority to establish a committee that carries the status of a parliamentary body,” the statement said.

Caucus Actions Not Binding

While acknowledging the Minority Caucus’ right to express dissent, advocate policies and raise public concerns, the House drew a clear distinction between political engagement and formal legislative processes.

According to the statement, caucuses lack investigative powers, oversight jurisdiction, and the authority to summon individuals or request official documents.

Any action taken by a caucus in this regard, the House noted, is non-binding, informal and without legal or institutional effect.

It added that reports emerging from such caucus-led initiatives cannot be presented in plenary or recognised as part of the National Assembly’s official records.

Action Described as Procedurally Improper

The House described the reported move by the Minority Caucus as procedurally improper, warning that it could mislead the public and undermine parliamentary norms.

“The action attributed to the Minority Caucus is inconsistent with parliamentary practice and capable of creating unnecessary public confusion,” the statement said.

Bipartisan Committee Already in Place

Clarifying the status of the tax law controversy, the House disclosed that a properly constituted bipartisan ad hoc committee was set up in December 2025 following concerns raised by an opposition lawmaker over multiple documents claiming to be official gazettes.

The committee, made up of lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, was established in line with the Standing Orders and remains active.

It is expected to present its report to the House in plenary upon completion of its assignment.

Tax Laws Fully Gazetted

The House further stated that the National Assembly has since published the official Gazette and issued Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the tax laws, giving them full legal effect.

It reiterated that all unofficial or conflicting documents in circulation have been formally disowned.

“Only the gazetted versions and duly certified copies issued by the National Assembly constitute authentic legislative instruments,” the statement said.

Public Advised to Ignore Unauthorized Reports

The House advised Nigerians to disregard any committee, report or initiative not authorised by the House or the Speaker.

“Any committee or report not constituted or authorised by the House or the Speaker should be regarded strictly as a political initiative and not an official action of the House of Representatives,” the statement concludes.