NANS Backs Tax Reform Law, Suspends Planned Nationwide Protest

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has thrown its weight behind the newly enacted Tax Reform Law and announced the cancellation of its planned nationwide protest.

The decision followed extensive deliberations at the association’s maiden Expanded National Executive Council (ENEC) meeting, which focused on the Tax Reform Act and brought together student leaders, policy experts, and other key stakeholders from across the country.

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

NANS had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum, threatening nationwide protests if the implementation of the law was not suspended for further review and public sensitisation. However, the association said its position changed after engagements with the National Assembly, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), as well as a review of the National Assembly’s investigative report on the law.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, NANS President and Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, said student leaders were satisfied with the clarifications provided by government officials. He noted that tax experts from FIRS addressed concerns and explained key provisions of the law, giving participants a clearer understanding of its objectives and safeguards.

The ENEC concluded that the Tax Reform Law is aimed at improving revenue generation, promoting fairness in taxation, and strengthening social protection for low-income and vulnerable Nigerians, while ensuring that higher-income earners contribute more equitably. The council also affirmed the authenticity of the law as released by the National Assembly.

Based on these findings, NANS announced the cancellation of the nationwide protest earlier scheduled for January 14, 2025.

The association further pledged to support public awareness efforts, committing to educate Nigerians on the purpose and benefits of the tax reform to build public trust during its implementation.

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