The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cancelled its planned National Day of Action on January 14, 2026, aimed at protesting the recently enacted Tax Reform Law.
The decision followed a meeting on Tuesday in Abuja with Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. The outcome was announced during NANS’ first Expanded National Executive Council (ENEC) meeting.
Speaking at the session, NANS National President Olushola Oladoja said the cancellation of the protest came after satisfactory clarifications from government officials regarding the intent and provisions of the law.
According to Oladoja, the Tax Reform Law is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, enhance institutional frameworks for revenue collection, and protect low-income earners and vulnerable citizens. He emphasised that the legislation does not target the poor but ensures a fairer contribution from higher-income earners.
“The law provides for centralised revenue generation with a clear and transparent sharing formula across the Federal, State, and Local Governments,” Oladoja said. He added that NANS would serve as ambassadors of public enlightenment, educating Nigerians on the purpose, importance, and benefits of the law to boost public confidence in the Federal Government.
The ENEC meeting, which included representatives from NANS National Executive Council, the National Association of University Students (NAUS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), National Association of Colleges of Education Students (NANCES), zonal coordinators, and Joint Campus Council chairmen, affirmed the authenticity of the law as officially passed by the National Assembly.
Last week, NANS had called for the suspension of the tax reforms and threatened a mass protest at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, arguing that public concerns and constitutional processes were ignored.
Oyedele clarified that the law is not intended to burden low-income Nigerians but seeks to reinforce social protection measures while promoting fairness in revenue collection. The reform ensures that higher-income earners contribute proportionately more, correcting longstanding imbalances in the system and fostering a more inclusive fiscal environment.
“The Act prioritises the welfare of vulnerable groups by shielding them from additional tax pressure while restructuring the system to reflect ability to pay,” he explained.
