The Nigerian government has been dragged to the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Court of Justice over alleged unlawful alterations to the country’s newly gazetted tax laws.
The legal suit was filed by the Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development, NEFGAD, a frontline civic advocacy group, under case number ECW/CCJ/APP/10/26.
The action follows NEFGAD’s earlier correspondence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly, demanding an independent investigation and appropriate sanctions over the alleged changes.
NEFGAD raised concerns that certain provisions of the tax legislation may have been altered after passage by the National Assembly and presidential assent, a claim partially confirmed by the Assembly’s interim review, which flagged significant institutional, constitutional, and democratic issues.
In its suit, NEFGAD is seeking judicial review of the legislative process that led to the post-assent amendments, a declaration that the alterations are unauthorized, and the annulment or striking down of the altered Tax Administration Act, 2025, and related laws.
The organisation is also requesting that only the original texts passed by the National Assembly be recognized as law, and that the government produce certified true copies of the Acts for public enforcement.
The group further seeks compensation for Nigerians who may have suffered losses or infringements of their rights due to the enforcement of the altered provisions.
“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,” NEFGAD said.
NEFGAD reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic institutions, promoting transparency, and ensuring that all levels of government uphold the Constitution and international legal standards.
The organisation also called on civil society, the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive to support efforts that strengthen Nigeria’s democratic processes and protect the sanctity of lawmaking.
