Mr Ayoola Lawal, a former Secretary of the APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, has called for caution in the gazetting of Nigeria’s tax reform laws, urging the National Assembly to revisit the controversial legislation and address any misgivings surrounding the process.
Lawal, who is also the immediate past chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Scandinavian countries, warned that any deviation from due process could undermine constitutional governance, weaken public trust and unsettle investor confidence.
He made the call in a statement issued on Monday, against the backdrop of growing concerns raised by constitutional law experts over alleged discrepancies between bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions reportedly gazetted.
While commending the executive for initiating the tax reforms and praising the legislature for passing them into law, Lawal stressed that such achievements must be protected through transparency, mutual trust and strict adherence to constitutional procedures.
He noted that reforms of such magnitude require not only political will but also institutional integrity to ensure their long-term success.
“The reforms are necessary and well-intentioned. That is precisely why serious caution is required to ensure that the integrity of the process is not questioned,” he said.
Lawal emphasised that the concerns being raised were not rooted in opposition to reform, but in the need to safeguard democratic norms and preserve the credibility of national institutions.
He argued that a flawed legislative process, if left unaddressed, could weaken confidence in governance structures and set a troubling precedent.
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Beyond domestic implications, Lawal highlighted the broader economic consequences of legislative uncertainty, particularly for foreign investors and international partners.
He noted that global investors closely observe how laws are finalised and enforced, especially tax regulations that directly affect long-term planning and capital allocation.
“Foreign investors value predictability, transparency and respect for institutional processes. Any uncertainty around the finalisation of tax laws can affect confidence in Nigeria’s investment climate,” he said.
He warned that unresolved discrepancies could trigger legal disputes, delay implementation of the reforms and create uncertainty for multinational businesses operating in the country, at a time when Nigeria is actively seeking to attract increased foreign direct investment.
Lawal urged both the executive and the legislature to resolve any outstanding issues collaboratively and transparently, including returning disputed provisions to the National Assembly where necessary.
He maintained that open engagement and constitutional compliance would strengthen public confidence and reinforce Nigeria’s democratic credentials.
“In the interest of Nigeria, reforms must be credible as well as effective,” he said, calling on all stakeholders to prioritise the national interest, uphold the rule of law and strengthen Nigeria’s standing as a reliable destination for global investment.
NAN
