NANS endorses tax reform law, cancels planned protest
The National Association of Nigerian Students has announced its support for the recently passed Tax Reform Law, characterizing it as a well-intentioned fiscal policy that aims to safeguard low-income earners while bolstering Nigeria's economy.The support came after extensive discussions during the association's first Expanded National Executive Council (ENEC) meeting, which had as its theme "National Executive Council and Structural Stakeholders’ Forum 2026 on the Tax Reform Act." In order to examine the bill and its ramifications, the event gathered together student leaders, policy experts, and important stakeholders from throughout the nation.
Members of the NANS National Executive Council, leaders of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), the National Association of Colleges of Education Students (NANCES), zonal coordinators, chairpersons of joint campus councils, representatives of female student associations, and other pertinent stakeholders attended the meeting, which was held against the backdrop of intense public debate and controversy surrounding the new tax legislation.
Prior to the meeting, NANS threatened to launch nationwide protests if the Federal Government was not suspended to allow for additional research and thorough public education.
However, student leaders claimed to have a better grasp of the goals, protections, and intentions underlying the law after a series of interactions with the National Assembly, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), as well as the publication of the National Assembly's investigation report.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, President of NANS and Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, stated that students were pleased with the justifications provided by government officials. He pointed out that FIRS tax experts took advantage of the chance to clarify ambiguities in the law and address Nigerians' concerns, which helped student leaders better understand the structure and goals of the reform.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, President of NANS and Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, stated that students were pleased with the justifications provided by government officials. He pointed out that FIRS tax experts took advantage of the chance to clarify ambiguities in the law and address Nigerians' concerns, which helped student leaders better understand the structure and goals of the reform.
However, following a series of engagements with the National Assembly, the Department of State Services (DSS)At the conclusion of the meeting, the ENEC resolved that the Tax Reform Law is structured to enhance revenue generation, promote fairness in the tax system and strengthen social protection for vulnerable citizens, while ensuring that higher-income earners make more equitable contributions. The council also affirmed the authenticity of the law as released by the National Assembly and announced the cancellation of the nationwide protest earlier scheduled for January 14, 2025.
NANS further pledged to act as ambassadors of public enlightenment, committing itself to educating Nigerians on the objectives and benefits of the tax reform in order to build public confidence during its implementation phase. and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), alongside the release of the National Assembly’s investigation report, student leaders stated that they had gained a clearer understanding of the objectives, safeguards and intentions underpinning the law.
Speaking at the forum, the Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee and President of NANS, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, said students were satisfied with the explanations offered by government representatives. He noted that tax experts from FIRS used the opportunity to address grey areas in the legislation and respond to concerns raised by Nigerians, thereby giving student leaders a better grasp of the reform’s framework and purpose.
The meeting also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fiscal reform measures and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and passed a vote of confidence in Mr. Zacch Adedeji, the former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service. The group reiterated its endorsement of the administration's more comprehensive strategy for economic development.
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