The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared its support for the newly enacted Tax Reform Law, describing it as a well-intentioned fiscal policy designed to strengthen Nigeria’s economy while protecting low-income earners and vulnerable groups.
The endorsement followed extensive deliberations 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, tax experts and key stakeholders from across the country at a time when the law has generated intense public debate.
The meeting was attended by members of the NANS National Executive Council, leaders of other national student bodies, zonal coordinators, joint campus council chairpersons, female student associations and representatives of various stakeholder groups.
Before the meeting, NANS had raised concerns over the implementation of the law and issued a 14-day ultimatum, warning of nationwide protests if the policy was not suspended pending further investigations and public sensitisation.
However, student leaders said their position changed after a series of engagements with relevant government institutions and a detailed review of the findings of the National Assembly’s investigation into the law. These engagements, they said, provided clarity on the objectives, safeguards and implementation framework of the tax reform.
Speaking after the meeting, NANS President and Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, said the association was satisfied with the explanations offered by government officials and tax experts.
He explained that experts at the forum took time to address grey areas, respond to public concerns and explain how the law is structured to promote fairness, protect low-income earners and ensure that higher-income individuals contribute more equitably to national development.
At the end of its deliberations, the ENEC resolved that the Tax Reform Law is aimed at improving revenue generation, promoting equity in taxation and strengthening social protection for vulnerable citizens. The council also affirmed the authenticity of the version of the law released by the National Assembly.
As a result, NANS announced the cancellation of the nationwide protest earlier scheduled, noting that further engagement and public education would be more productive than confrontation.
The association also pledged to play an active role in public enlightenment, committing to educate students and the wider public on the purpose, provisions and benefits of the tax reform in order to build confidence and understanding during its implementation.
In addition, the meeting passed a vote of confidence on former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pursuing fiscal reforms and rolling out initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
NANS reaffirmed its support for the administration’s economic reform agenda, stating that students remain committed stakeholders in policies aimed at sustainable growth, economic stability and national development.
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