The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has officially called off its planned nationwide protest against the recently introduced tax reform laws.
The decision followed high-level engagements between NANS leadership, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and other key government stakeholders. According to the student body, the discussions addressed major concerns surrounding the potential impact of the tax reforms on students, minimum-wage earners, and low-income Nigerians.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NANS explained that government representatives provided assurances that the reforms would not impose additional financial burdens on students or economically vulnerable groups. The association noted that specific commitments were made to ensure education-related expenses and student welfare remain protected under the new tax framework.
NANS leadership described the dialogue as “productive and reassuring,” emphasizing that the suspension of the protest was in the interest of national stability and constructive engagement.
“We believe dialogue remains the most effective tool for resolving issues that directly affect Nigerian students,” the statement read. “Based on the assurances received, the planned protest has been suspended.”
The student body, however, warned that it would continue to closely monitor the implementation of the tax reforms and would not hesitate to take action if government commitments are not upheld.
The tax reform laws have sparked public debate across the country, with labour unions, civil society groups, and students expressing concerns about their potential economic implications. The Federal Government maintains that the reforms are necessary to broaden the tax base and improve revenue generation without increasing hardship for citizens.
