The federal government has assured students in tertiary institutions that the tax laws, which took effect last week, will not lead to a hike in tuition.

This is as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) endorsed the new tax reform law and called off its proposed nationwide protest earlier scheduled for 14th January, 2025, against the implementation of the law.

Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, Taiwo Oyedele, allayed the fears of students at an Expanded National Executive Council (ENEC) meeting and stakeholders’ engagement forum organised by NANS on Tuesday in Abuja.

Oyedele highlighted significant provisions of the tax law that would directly benefit the students and low-income earners in the country.

He added that the law aims to make more money available to state governments for investment in the development of education and infrastructure in the country.

President of NANS, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, used the engagement to announce the suspension of the proposed nationwide protest following the conclusion of the National Assembly’s investigation and clarifications made on the alleged alterations of the tax reform Act.

Oladoja, who read the communique of the Expanded National Executive Council of NANS, held in Abuja in collaboration with all structural student bodies, said the forum provided a platform for tax experts from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to educate student leaders, clarify grey areas, and respond comprehensively to concerns expressed by the Nigerian masses about the new Tax Reform Law.

He explained that the Expanded National Executive Council (ENEC) of NANS was convened against the backdrop of widespread public concerns and national discourse surrounding the newly enacted Tax Reform LAW.

He recalled NANS’ earlier position on the law, following public outcry arising from revelations by some National Assembly members about alleged alterations to the Tax Reform Act, coupled with low public understanding of the Act and its operational guidelines before it was fully passed into law.

“In response, NANS formally called for the immediate suspension of the implementation of the new Tax Law, pending the conclusion of investigations by the National Assembly around the raised allegations and the conduct of comprehensive and targeted public education about the Law to enhance citizens’ understanding and support to ensure the desired results are achieved through this reform.

“This position was accompanied by a 14-day ultimatum, after which NANS proposed to mobilize Nigerian students for mass protest actions across the country should the demands not be addressed.

“Subsequent to this position, the national leadership of NANS was engaged by several government agencies and departments, including but not limited to: the National Assembly; the Department of State Services (DSS); and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS),” he stated.

Oladoja added that after extensive deliberations, presentations, and engagements, the Expanded National Executive Council (ENEC) of NANS resolved that the new Tax Reform Law is a deliberate and well-intentioned law aimed at improving Nigeria’s economy, strengthening institutional frameworks for revenue generation, with deliberate provisions to protect low-income earners and vulnerable citizens.

“Contrary to NANS prior belief, the student body has come to the realisation that the Law does not target the poor; instead, it strengthens social protection while ensuring that higher-income earners contribute more equitably to national revenue, preventing lopsidedness and unnecessary tax burdens on a few,” he said.

Oladoja added that the students were convinced that the Law provides for centralised revenue generation with a clear and transparent sharing formula across the Federal Government, State Governments, and Local Governments.

He said NANS has consequently agreed to serve as ambassadors of public enlightenment, committed to educating Nigerians on the purpose, importance, and benefits of the Tax Reform Law to boost citizens’ confidence and trust in the Federal Government during the implementation of this Law.

(Nation)