The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to suspend the January 1, 2026, rollout of the new Tax Reform Law due to procedural flaws and lack of public engagement. The group highlighted discrepancies between the gazetted version and the one passed by the National Assembly, amid concerns over inadequate sensitization efforts. NANS warned of nationwide protests if demands are ignored.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has voiced strong objections to the Federal Government's planned implementation of the Tax Reform Law, set to begin on January 1, 2026. In a statement issued on December 29, 2025, and signed by its National President, Olushola Oladoja, NANS described the process as lacking transparency and public involvement, creating uncertainty for citizens facing economic hardships.
'Nigerians are grossly poorly informed and insufficiently enlightened about the content, scope, breadth, impacts, and long-term implications of the new tax reform law,' the association stated. They criticized the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for failing to conduct effective public enlightenment, relying instead on social media and influencers, which excludes many Nigerians. 'It is a shame that the Federal Inland Revenue Service has failed woefully in its responsibility to design and execute an effective, inclusive, and nationwide public enlightenment process,' NANS added, calling the approach 'very linear, reductionist, exclusionary, and elitist.'
NANS also raised alarms over reports from the House of Representatives indicating that the gazetted law may differ from the version approved by the National Assembly. 'This development, if true, raises serious constitutional and legislative integrity concerns,' the statement noted. The group demanded suspension until a National Assembly committee completes its investigation into these alleged discrepancies.
Describing the rollout as 'untenable, reckless, and unacceptable,' NANS threatened coordinated nationwide protests if authorities do not act within 14 days. While supporting fair, people-centered reforms, the association opposed policies imposed without due process.
This comes despite government assurances. Following a December 26, 2025, meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, affirmed the implementation would proceed, calling the measures 'pro-people' and aimed at easing the tax burden on vulnerable Nigerians.
