The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called off its planned National Day of Action scheduled for January 14, 2026, following assurances from the Federal Government on the implementation of the newly enacted Tax Reform Law.
According to reports, the decision followed a meeting between leaders of the students’ body and the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, held in Abuja on Tuesday.
NANS further announced the development in a communiqué issued after its maiden Expanded National Executive Council (ENEC) meeting.
Reading the communiqué, the National President of NANS, Olushola Oladoja, said the association resolved to suspend the protest after receiving satisfactory clarifications from relevant government authorities on the intent and scope of the law.
Oladoja described the Tax Reform Law as a deliberate and well-intentioned policy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy and improving institutional frameworks for revenue generation, while incorporating safeguards for low-income earners and vulnerable citizens.
According to him, the law does not target the poor but seeks to reinforce social protection mechanisms and promote equity by ensuring that higher-income earners contribute more fairly to national revenue.
“The law strengthens social protection while ensuring that higher-income earners contribute more equitably, thereby preventing lopsidedness and unnecessary tax burdens on a few,” he said.
The students’ body also passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu, saying that the reform provides for centralised revenue generation with a clear and transparent sharing formula among the Federal, State and Local Governments.
NANS further resolved to serve as ambassadors of public enlightenment, committing to educate Nigerians on the purpose, importance and benefits of the Tax Reform Law in order to boost public confidence during its implementation.
It also affirmed the authenticity of the law as officially released by the National Assembly following the conclusion of its legislative process.
Members of the ENEC meeting were drawn from the NANS National Executive Council, alongside presidents and senate presidents of the National Association of University Students, the National Association of Polytechnic Students, the National Association of Colleges of Education Students, zonal coordinators from the six geopolitical zones and Joint Campus Council chairmen across the federation.
Last week, the association had called for the suspension of the tax laws and announced plans for a peaceful mass protest to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, accusing the Federal Government of disregarding public concerns and constitutional processes.
Oyedele had earlier maintained that the reform was designed to protect low-income Nigerians, explaining that it prioritises the welfare of vulnerable groups while restructuring the tax system to reflect ability to pay.
He said the measures were intended to correct long-standing imbalances and promote a more inclusive fiscal framework.
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