Tax Law Crisis: Minority Caucus and NANS Call for Immediate Halt

Tensions are rising over Nigeria’s sweeping tax reforms. On Monday, December 29, 2025, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives joined student leaders to call for an immediate suspension of the new laws. This push comes just days before the legislation takes effect on January 1, 2026.

The controversy centers on claims that the gazetted version of the law does not match what the National Assembly originally passed. Consequently, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has ordered an accelerated hearing to investigate the matter.

Allegations of Unlawful Alterations

The Minority Caucus expressed deep concern over the integrity of the new tax acts. They warned that implementing a version of the law not approved by Parliament would violate the Constitution.

Key developments in the legislative dispute include:

• The Discrepancy: Representative Abdussamad Dasuki first alerted the House that the gazetted copies appeared to have been materially altered.
• The Investigation: A seven-man committee, led by Muktar Betara, is now investigating these serious claims.
• The Demand: Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda insisted that the government must halt the rollout until the investigation ends.

Lawmakers emphasized that the public and business community deserve certainty. They argue that enforcing an unverified law creates a “constitutional storm” that could undermine the rule of law.

NANS Threatens Nationwide Protests

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also voiced strong opposition. The group issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening nationwide protests if the law is not suspended by January 14, 2026.

NANS President Olushola Oladoja criticized the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for a lack of public education. He described the current communication strategy as “elitist and exclusionary.” Furthermore, the group argued that implementing a law while its authenticity is under a high-powered investigation is reckless.

High Court Fast-Tracks Legal Suit

As political pressure grows, the battle has moved to the courtroom. Justice Bello Kawu of the FCT High Court has granted an accelerated hearing for a lawsuit challenging the tax acts.

While the court did not issue an immediate injunction to stop the January 1 start, it ordered all defendants to appear. This includes the Attorney-General and the leadership of the National Assembly. The next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, December 31.

Executive Stance: Proceeding as Planned

Despite the intense backlash, the Presidency appears determined to move forward. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, reaffirmed that the implementation remains on schedule.

The administration maintains that the reforms will provide a “pro-people” cushion. They project the following benefits:

• Workers: 98% of Nigerian employees will be exempt from taxes or see a significant reduction.

• Small Businesses: 97% of small enterprises will benefit from full exemptions or lower rates.

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