The controversy surrounding the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws escalated on Wednesday as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) announced plans for a nationwide protest, warning that the reforms lack legitimacy amid unresolved disputes over their authenticity.

NANS said it has commenced mobilisation of students across the country to resist the implementation of the Tax Reform Laws, which took effect on January 1, 2026, declaring January 14, 2026, a National Day of Action.

In a statement, NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, criticised the Federal Government’s decision to proceed with implementation despite lingering allegations that the gazetted versions of the laws differ from those passed by the National Assembly.

He described the move as “unfortunate” and “a dangerous precedent,” arguing that it undermines democratic values and participatory governance.

“The decision to implement the Tax Reform Laws from January 1, when numerous issues in the gazetted law remain unresolved, reflects hegemony, high-handedness and a blatant disregard for Nigerians,” Oladoja said.

He called on all NANS structures — campus chapters, state joints, zonal coordinators and the national secretariat — to begin immediate mobilisation for a peaceful mass protest and march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to him, the protest will converge at Unity Fountain, Abuja, with further details to be announced later.

“Our demands are clear and non-negotiable: the immediate suspension of the implementation of the otherwise beautiful but deeply controversial Tax Reform Law,” he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, however, had on Tuesday insisted that the reforms would proceed as scheduled, stating that “no substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process,” despite calls by several stakeholders for a suspension.

The tax reforms have generated intense debate following allegations that the gazetted copies contain provisions not approved by lawmakers. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the minority caucus of the House of Representatives are among groups that have raised concerns.

A member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, had earlier alleged discrepancies between the versions passed by the legislature and those gazetted.

Adding to the pressure, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), warned that the new tax laws could face legal challenges if the controversies surrounding their legitimacy are not resolved.

Speaking to journalists in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Falana said the government ought to have used the final days of 2025 to address public concerns and produce “clean copies” of the laws before commencement.

“There are questions about the authentic tax laws — so which laws are we talking about? Until we have clean copies, you cannot talk of commencement,” he said, adding that allegations of inserted provisions amounted to forgery, for which the National Assembly must take responsibility.

Falana also criticised the lack of transparency, describing it as unacceptable that bills passed and signed into law were not readily accessible on the National Assembly’s website.

He further threatened legal action over what he described as discriminatory provisions that allegedly exempt wealthy companies, particularly those operating in Free Trade Zones (FTZs), from taxes and duties.

“Progressive taxation requires the rich to pay more, not less,” Falana said, describing such exemptions as unconstitutional, unjust and illegal.

Meanwhile, a group known as House to the Rescue intensified the controversy by offering a N3 million public reward to any serving member of the National Assembly who can produce a verifiable and authentic copy of the tax law being enforced.

In a joint statement signed by Hon. Jika Adamu, Hon. Bassey Ewah and Hon. Nko Nkole, the group said any attempt to enforce the law without producing an authentic version was “illegal, oppressive and morally indefensible.”
They accused the government of “ruling by announcement, not legislation; by coercion, not consent; and by fear, not legality,” insisting that Nigerians were being misled.

“A tax law that cannot be publicly produced, independently verified and legally cited does not exist, no matter how aggressively it is marketed,” the group said, warning that taxation without legitimacy amounted to “economic violence.”

Despite the growing backlash, an FCT High Court has declined to halt the implementation of the new tax regime.

In a ruling dated December 30, 2025, Justice Kawu Bello dismissed an ex parte application filed by the Incorporated Trustees of African Initiative for Abuse of Public Trust, which sought to restrain the Federal Government from implementing the tax laws pending the determination of a substantive suit.

The judge held that the court lacked the power to stop the implementation of a law already signed and gazetted without concrete evidence of wrongdoing, noting that any offending sections could only be set aside through due judicial process.

He ruled that the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and other related laws would remain in force from January 1, 2026, pending the hearing of the substantive suit, which has been fixed for January 9, 2026.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 will mark the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, citing moderating inflation, stronger foreign reserves, rising investment inflows and sustained GDP expansion as evidence that recent reforms are beginning to yield results.

In his New Year address to the nation, the President said the fiscal, monetary and structural reforms implemented in 2025 had stabilised key economic indicators despite persistent global headwinds.

He pledged to deepen tax reforms, expand infrastructure investment, strengthen security operations and accelerate inclusive growth initiatives aimed at improving living standards across the country.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that the new tax regime, which takes effect today, is designed to lay the foundation for shared prosperity, sustainable growth and long-term economic stability.

“The new year marks a critical phase in implementing our tax reforms, designed to build a fair, competitive and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria,” he said.

“By harmonising our tax system, we aim to raise revenue sustainably, address fiscal distortions and strengthen our capacity to finance infrastructure and social investments that will deliver shared prosperity.”

He stressed that the reforms were not intended
to overburden citizens but to eliminate multiple taxation and reduce the excessive burden of taxes, levies and fees.

He commended states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda, noting that a streamlined system would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to fund development priorities.

The President said the difficult reforms undertaken in 2025 were already producing measurable gains and expressed confidence that their benefits would increasingly be felt by ordinary Nigerians in the new year.

Unveiling an ambitious inclusive growth agenda, Tinubu said his administration would empower at least 10 million Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting a minimum of 1,000 beneficiaries in each of the country’s 8,809 wards across agriculture, trade, food processing and mining.

According to him, Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong economic note, recording robust GDP growth in every quarter, with annualised growth projected to exceed four per cent. He said inflation had declined to below 15 per cent in line with government targets, while exchange-rate stability improved and trade surpluses were maintained.

Tinubu also highlighted the performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which posted a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, and said foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, providing a strong buffer against external shocks.

Foreign direct investment, he added, rose sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

He noted that global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s, had consistently affirmed Nigeria’s economic direction.

On security, the President acknowledged ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist groups but said decisive actions, including coordinated operations with international partners, had been taken against terrorist targets in parts of the North-west.

He pledged deeper cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026, reaffirming his commitment to decentralised policing and properly regulated forest guards.

Calling for national unity, Tinubu urged Nigerians to see nation-building as a shared responsibility, anchored on patriotism, integrity and collective purpose.

He wished the nation a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year, while praying for divine protection for the country, its armed forces and the defeat of all forces threatening national peace and stability.

Opobo Kingdom has announced a period of national mourning following the passing of its monarch, King Dr. Dandeson Douglas Jaja, CFR, DSSRS, Jeki V, JP, the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom.

The announcement was made by the Amanyanabo-in-Council and the King Jaja Executive Authority after extended meetings and consultations. The revered traditional ruler, who ascended the throne in 1980, passed on in 2025 after a distinguished reign spanning over four decades.

In a statement signed by Alabo Princewill N. Wogo Dappa, Vice Chairman, Opobo Council of Alapu, stated that King Jaja V was a direct descendant of the kingdom’s royal lineage and sat on the throne of his forebears, some of whom were members of the Eastern House of Chiefs in Nigeria. In later years, he was recognised as one of the foremost traditional rulers in Rivers State.

Beyond his traditional responsibilities, the late monarch also served the nation in the academic sector as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Katsina-Alu, Katsina State.

In line with Opobo Kingdom’s customs and traditions, the
council disclosed that a national mourning period would be formally declared across the kingdom in the coming days. During the period, all forms of festivities will be suspended.

The council further noted that traditional regulations concerning dressing would be strictly observed, with certain classes of attire and uniforms—by both men and women—prohibited, as required by custom.

The people of Opobo Kingdom have been called upon to unite in mourning, while individuals, corporate organisations and friends of the kingdom are invited to pay tributes and identify with the Amanyanabo-in-Council and the entire Opobo people at this time of grief.
The statement was approved by the Opobo Council of Alapu and dated December 31, 2025.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has insisted that the implementation of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws will commence on January 1 as scheduled, dismissing growing calls for a suspension amid mounting public opposition.

The reforms have sparked widespread criticism from sections of the public and opposition figures, who have urged the president to delay the start date. The House of Representatives has also set up a committee to investigate allegations that some provisions of the tax laws were altered before enactment.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and personally signed by the president, Tinubu said the executive remained open to working with the National Assembly where necessary, but stressed that the reform process would not be halted.

“The new tax laws, including those that took effect on June 26, 2025, and the remaining Acts scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, will continue as planned,” he said.

Describing the reforms as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity”, Tinubu said the new framework was aimed at building a fair, competitive and resilient fiscal system for the country.

“The tax laws are not designed to raise taxes,” he said, “but to support a structural reset, drive harmonisation and protect dignity, while strengthening the social contract.”

The president urged stakeholders to rally behind the implementation phase, which he said had now entered the “delivery stage”, even as public debate continues over alleged amendments to some sections of the laws.

“No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process,” Tinubu said, adding that trust in governance is built through consistent and well-considered decisions rather than “premature, reactive measures”.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted legislation, pledging continued engagement with the National Assembly to resolve any concerns raised.

“I assure all Nigerians that the federal government will continue to act in the overriding public interest to ensure a tax system that supports prosperity and shared responsibility,” Tinubu said.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor reshuffle of his cabinet, redeploying the Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Christopher Green, to the Ministry of Justice as the new Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

The development, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last meeting of the State Executive Council for the year 2025, signalling what government sources describe as a fine-tuning of the cabinet rather than a wholesale overhaul.

In an official statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, the government explained that the redeployment forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, ensure continuity, and optimise performance across key ministries.

Under the new arrangement, Green will, in addition to his role as Attorney-General, continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive commissioner to oversee the ministry.

The statement noted that the minor cabinet rejig underscores Governor Fubara’s commitment to stability in governance, while strategically repositioning experienced hands to meet evolving administrative and legal demands of the state.
Observers say the move reflects the governor’s preference for measured adjustments aimed at improving service delivery, rather than disruptive changes, as his administration consolidates its policy and governance agenda in Rivers State.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Council, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for approving and paying the 2025 Christmas bonus to civil servants and pensioners in the state.

The commendation followed the payment, on Monday, of a ₦100,000 Christmas bonus to civil servants, public sector workers and pensioners, a gesture the union said would ease the financial pressure of the Yuletide and enable beneficiaries to celebrate the festive season with dignity.

In a letter of appreciation signed by its state chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, the NLC described the governor’s action as another demonstration of his commitment to workers’ welfare and social responsibility.

“On behalf of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Rivers State Council, we express our gratitude to Your Excellency for the kind approval and prompt payment of the 2025 Christmas Bonus to all civil and public servants, including pensioners in the state,” the letter stated.
The union noted that since the inception of the Fubara administration, workers have continued to benefit from policies aimed at improving their welfare and conditions of service.

“It is worthy to note that from the beginning of your administration, you have consistently endeared yourself to workers through your progressive and people-centred approach to welfare and employment conditions,” Agwanwor said.

According to the NLC, the bonus will significantly enhance workers’ purchasing power and ensure a memorable festive celebration with their families.

The union described Governor Fubara as the “most workers-friendly governor in Rivers State,” attributing the recognition to what it called his consistency and intentional focus on the wellbeing of workers and pensioners.

The NLC further assured the governor of its continued support for his administration’s programmes and policies geared towards improving workers’ welfare and driving development across the state.

“We remain grateful to God for the gift of your leadership and pray for continued wisdom, grace and divine protection as you lead Rivers State to greater heights,” the union added.

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has faulted the Federal Government’s approval of a massive debt waiver for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), warning that the move undermines fiscal discipline, transparency and constitutional governance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Monday approved the cancellation of debts amounting to $1.42 billion and ₦5.57 trillion owed by NNPC Ltd to the Federation Account.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Dr Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, described the decision as unprecedented and dangerous, particularly at a time of acute revenue shortfalls.

According to him, the write-off—carried out without public scrutiny, legislative approval or accountability for those responsible—constitutes a grave assault on transparency and public finance management.
Zikirullahi said the cancellation of 96 per cent of NNPC’s dollar-denominated debts and 88 per cent of its naira obligations effectively deprives the Federation Account of revenues meant to be shared by the federal, state and local governments.

He noted that the waiver comes amid alarming revenue deficits, with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reportedly underperforming its 2025 revenue target by over ₦5.65 trillion. In November 2025 alone, he said, the commission recorded a ₦544.76 billion shortfall, including a ₦538.92 billion gap in royalty collections.

“Writing off trillions of naira in receivables in the midst of such deficits is not only irresponsible, it directly contradicts government claims of plugging leakages and strengthening fiscal governance,” Zikirullahi said.

He further argued that the oil and gas sector remains plagued by unresolved scandals, citing the recent declaration of a former petroleum minister, Timipre Sylva, as wanted over the alleged diversion of $14.8 million meant for refinery construction, as well as unresolved allegations of regulatory abuse and subsidy fraud running into trillions of naira.

According to CHRICED, the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) requires NNPC Ltd to operate as a commercially driven entity under strict corporate governance standards. Forgiving trillions of naira owed to its sole shareholder—the Nigerian people—he said, undermines that mandate and reinforces perceptions of political insulation.

“This decision sends a troubling signal to investors, development partners and credit rating agencies that Nigeria’s fiscal governance remains discretionary and vulnerable to political interference,” the organisation warned.

CHRICED called for the immediate public disclosure of the reconciliation report and justification for the debt waiver, a comprehensive forensic audit of NNPC’s past and present financial obligations, and urgent intervention by the National Assembly to ensure accountability.