NANS Backs Tax Reform Law, Cancels Nationwide Student Protests

NANS Backs Tax Reform Law, Cancels Nationwide Student Protests

Abuja — The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has endorsed the newly enacted Tax Reform Law, describing it as a well-intentioned fiscal policy designed to strengthen Nigeria’s economy and protect low-income earners.

The decision followed extensive deliberations at the maiden Expanded National Executive Council (ENEC) meeting themed: “National Executive Council and Structural Stakeholders’ Forum 2026 on the Tax Reform Act”, which brought together student leaders, policy experts, and key stakeholders from across the country.

Earlier concerns had prompted NANS to issue a 14-day ultimatum, threatening nationwide student protests if the law was implemented without further investigations and public enlightenment. However, after engagements with the National Assembly, Department of State Services (DSS), and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), students were briefed on the objectives, safeguards, and social protection measures embedded in the law.

NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, who chaired the communiqué drafting committee, said the forum clarified the law’s intent, giving student leaders confidence in its fairness and transparency. Tax experts from FIRS responded to public concerns, particularly regarding equitable taxation and protections for vulnerable citizens.

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At the conclusion of the meeting, ENEC confirmed that the Tax Reform Law:

• Improves revenue generation
• Ensures fairness in taxation
• Strengthens social protection for vulnerable Nigerians
• Requires higher-income earners to contribute more equitably

Following this, NANS announced the cancellation of the planned nationwide protests scheduled for January 14, 2025, and pledged to act as ambassadors of public enlightenment to educate Nigerians on the benefits of the reform.

The council also expressed a vote of confidence in former FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fiscal reforms and initiatives such as NELFUND, reaffirming support for the administration’s economic transformation agenda.

NANS Backs Tax Reform Law, Cancels Nationwide Student Protests