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December 30, 2025
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for the immediate suspension of the implementation of Nigeria’s newly introduced Tax Reform Law scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, citing inadequate public enlightenment and alleged alterations to the bill passed by the National Assembly.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS acknowledged the importance of tax reforms in strengthening national revenue but described the current implementation process as flawed, poorly communicated, and constitutionally questionable. The student body warned that proceeding with the law under the present circumstances could deepen public resentment and distrust toward the government.
According to NANS, Nigerians remain largely uninformed about the content, scope, and long-term implications of the new tax law, creating widespread fear that the policy would further burden citizens already grappling with economic hardship. The association argued that a reform of such magnitude requires extensive public education and trust-building, which it said had not been adequately provided.
NANS particularly criticised the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for relying on social media influencers for sensitisation, describing the approach as elitist, exclusionary, and disconnected from the realities of many Nigerian households. The association faulted the exclusion of grassroots-based organisations such as NANS, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, community associations, and civil society groups from the sensitisation process.
Beyond concerns over public awareness, NANS expressed alarm over revelations by the House of Representatives that the gazetted version of the tax law may differ from the bill passed by both chambers of the National Assembly. The group said the alleged alterations raise serious constitutional and legislative integrity concerns, noting that the National Assembly has already constituted a committee to investigate the matter.
In light of these issues, NANS demanded an official postponement of the implementation date until comprehensive nationwide enlightenment campaigns are conducted and the National Assembly concludes its investigation into the alleged alterations, with findings made public.
The association warned that failure to suspend the law within 14 days—on or before January 14—would leave it with no option but to commence coordinated nationwide protests. While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to national development, NANS stated it would resist any policy imposed without transparency, inclusiveness, and due process.
