Nigeria Faces ECOWAS Court Over Tax Law Alterations

The Nigerian Federal Government has been taken to the ECOWAS Court over claims of unauthorized alterations to the new tax law, which was approved by the National Assembly. The lawsuit, filed by the civil society organization NEFGAD, accuses the government of tampering with sections of the tax legislation that had already been passed.

NEFGAD's lead counsel, Elvi Ejeta, disclosed that the case has been assigned the suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/10/26. The organization is seeking an independent investigation into the alleged changes, which they argue breach legislative authority and threaten the credibility of Nigeria's lawmaking process.

They are requesting the court to declare the altered version of the tax law as unauthorized and inconsistent with Nigeria's obligations under ECOWAS protocols and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. Additionally, NEFGAD is demanding that the court nullify the amendments, restrain the government from enforcing disputed provisions, and provide compensation for financial losses incurred by citizens and businesses due to the alleged alterations.