The Federal Government has been sued before the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice over alleged illegal changes made to Nigeria’s new tax laws after they were approved by the National Assembly and signed into law.
The suit was filed by the civil society organisation, Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), which accused authorities of tampering with sections of the tax legislation already passed into law.
The group said the action followed its earlier petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leaders of the National Assembly, where it demanded an independent probe and possible sanctions over the alleged alterations.
NEFGAD, through its lead counsel, Elvis Ejeta, disclosed that the case was filed under suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/10/26. It said the matter became more serious after an interim review by the National Assembly reportedly indicated that parts of the tax laws may have been modified after presidential assent.
According to the organisation, such alterations, if confirmed, amount to a breach of legislative authority and threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s lawmaking process.
The group is asking the regional court to investigate how the changes occurred and to declare the versions published in the official gazette as unauthorized and inconsistent with Nigeria’s obligations under ECOWAS protocols and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
NEFGAD further wants the gazetted Tax Administration Act, 2025 and related tax laws either nullified entirely or amended to remove the disputed sections. It insists that only the exact text passed by lawmakers and signed by the President should remain valid.
In addition, the organisation urged the court to restrain the Federal Government from enforcing the questioned provisions.
It also asked for the immediate publication of Certified True Copies of the four tax Acts as enacted, so Nigerians can clearly identify the authentic versions.
The group is also demanding compensation for citizens and businesses that may have suffered financial losses from the enforcement of the alleged altered provisions. This includes possible refunds of taxes and penalties collected under the disputed sections.
“This action is not merely administrative or procedural. It is a constitutional issue that strikes at the heart of democratic order, separation of powers, and the rule of law. Where a law passed by the National Assembly and signed by the President is altered without lawful authority, it undermines confidence in governance and threatens investor certainty,” the civil society organisation said.
NEFGAD reaffirmed its commitment to protecting democratic institutions and promoting transparency.
It called on the judiciary, legislature, executive and civil society groups to work together to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.