In a dramatic turn in Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform saga, Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has forcefully denied claims that the newly enacted tax laws were secretly altered after being passed by the National Assembly.

The controversy erupted after several lawmakers and civil society organisations alleged discrepancies between the versions of the tax laws passed by the legislature and the versions later gazetted and circulated to the public — accusations that critics say could undermine the integrity of the legislative process.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Oyedele dismissed the allegations as “false narratives” and insisted that there is no official copy of what was passed by the National Assembly to compare with what was gazetted. He clarified that only lawmakers could authoritatively state what was sent to the President, and stressed that claims of alterations are based on speculation, not documented evidence.

Oyedele’s intervention comes as opposition figures — including a former vice-presidential candidate — and lawmakers call for an independent investigation into the purported irregularities. Civil society groups have also amplified demands for transparency and accountability in the reform process.

As Nigeria barrels towards the January 1, 2026 commencement date for the new tax regime, Oyedele’s public rebuttal marks a critical moment in efforts to calm public anxiety and reframe the narrative around one of the most consequential fiscal overhauls in recent history.