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NANS rejects new tax law, cites indicated constitutional flaws and poor public awareness
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Students issue 14-day ultimatum to Tinubu government to suspend January 1 implementation
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Nationwide protests loom if demands are ignored amid worsening economic hardship
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has given the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to halt the planned implementation of the newly enacted tax reform laws, warning that failure to do so would trigger nationwide protests.
The students’ body said the process leading to the implementation of the new tax regime was flawed, poorly communicated and raised serious constitutional concerns.
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In a statement released on Monday and signed by its National President, Olushola Oladoja, NANS expressed strong opposition to the January 1, 2026 commencement date, arguing that Nigerians have not been adequately informed about the content and implications of the laws.
NANS warned that unless the government suspends the rollout within the stipulated 14 days, it would mobilise students across the country for coordinated mass protests.
The association stated that while it supports reforms that are fair and people-focused, it would resist policies imposed without transparency, public trust or due process.
According to NANS, the lack of proper public enlightenment has heightened fear and anxiety among citizens already struggling with economic hardship.
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The student body criticised the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for what it described as an elitist and ineffective sensitisation strategy, accusing the agency of relying heavily on social media influencers while excluding millions of Nigerians who are not active online.
Beyond issues of awareness, NANS raised alarm over claims by lawmakers that the tax laws gazetted may differ from the versions passed by the National Assembly, describing such allegations as a threat to legislative integrity.
The association insisted that a law under investigation for authenticity should not be implemented, demanding an immediate postponement until nationwide sensitisation is conducted and the National Assembly concludes its review.
President Tinubu recently signed four major tax reform bills into law, including the Nigeria Tax Act and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, describing them as the most far-reaching overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in decades.
However, the reforms have faced resistance from sections of the National Assembly, particularly following allegations by a House of Representatives member, Abdussamad Dasuki, that the gazetted versions contained provisions not approved by lawmakers.
While the Minority Caucus of the House has also called for a suspension, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has maintained that the January 1, 2026 implementation date remains unchanged, insisting the reforms are meant to ease the burden on Nigerians.
