Opposition to Nigeria’s new tax laws escalated Monday as the House Minority Caucus and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) demanded an immediate suspension of the January 1 rollout. Lawmakers allege discrepancies between the versions passed by the National Assembly and those gazetted by the Federal Government, warning of constitutional violations.
A Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered accelerated hearing in a suit challenging the laws’ authenticity, though it declined to halt implementation. The House has launched a probe led by Rep. Muktar Betara to investigate the alleged alterations.
NANS threatened nationwide protests if the laws proceed, citing poor public education and lack of transparency. The group criticised the Federal Inland Revenue Service for relying on social media influencers instead of inclusive sensitisation.
Despite mounting pressure, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to the January 1 start date.
The suit, filed by the African Initiative for Abuse Public Trustees, names top government officials and institutions as respondents. Justice Bello Kawu scheduled the next hearing for December 31.
As tensions rise, the clash between lawmakers, civil society, and the executive underscores deepening uncertainty over Nigeria’s most ambitious tax reforms in decades. Political and judicial outcomes now loom large.
