NANS Backs Tax Reform Law, Cancels Nationwide Protest

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has endorsed the newly enacted Tax Reform Law, describing it as a well-intentioned fiscal policy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy and protecting low-income earners.

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

The meeting, held amid public debate and controversy over the new tax law, was attended by members of the NANS National Executive Council, leaders of NAUS, NAPS, and NANCES, zonal coordinators, joint campus council chairpersons, female student associations, and other stakeholders.

Earlier, NANS had issued a 14-day ultimatum, threatening nationwide protests if the law’s implementation was not suspended pending further investigation and public enlightenment.

However, following engagements with the National Assembly, Department of State Services (DSS), and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), as well as the release of the National Assembly’s investigation report, student leaders reported a clearer understanding of the law’s objectives and safeguards.

Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee and NANS President, Comr. Olushola Oladoja, said students were satisfied with explanations provided by the government. FIRS tax experts clarified grey areas and addressed public concerns, giving NANS leaders confidence in the reform’s framework.

At the conclusion of the meeting, ENEC resolved that the Tax Reform Law is intended to improve revenue generation, ensure fairness in taxation, and strengthen social protection for vulnerable citizens, while requiring higher-income earners to contribute more equitably. The council also canceled the nationwide protest originally scheduled for January 14, 2025.

NANS pledged to serve as ambassadors of public enlightenment, educating Nigerians on the reform’s purpose and benefits to boost public confidence during implementation.

The forum also passed a vote of confidence on former FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fiscal reforms and the NELFUND initiative, reaffirming support for the administration’s economic transformation agenda.

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