Message to Tinubu: Suspend January 2026 Tax Laws or Face Nationwide Protests - Nigerian Youth Unions

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that amid tension, confusion on the new tax law, which has escalated in the county, the Nigerian Youth Unions’ Government (NYUG) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to suspend the implementation of four new tax laws set to take effect in January 2026, warning that failure to act could spark nationwide resistance.

OTN News further reports that the NYUG National President, Ambassador Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel, who said this while speaking in Abuja after an emergency meeting, criticized the Federal Government for pushing “far-reaching and controversial tax reforms” without adequate public consultation or education.

Tension has escalated following claims by some lawmakers that the gazetted versions of the laws differ from what was approved by the National Assembly.

OTN News observes that the Union, comprising 63 registered youth, student, and civil society organizations across the country, stated that if the government remains adamant, Nigerians may engage in coordinated protests.

According to him, “Nigerians, already burdened by economic hardship, remain largely unaware of the content, scope, and long-term implications of these laws."

“A House of Representatives member and the Minority Caucus have called for a suspension pending clarification of alleged discrepancies. How do you enforce a law whose authenticity is under dispute?” he asked.

“You consulted governors, who are major beneficiaries of federal allocations, while ignoring youth unions, traders, teachers, drivers, and workers. That approach will not work,” Samuel warned.

The group also demanded an independent monitoring body to ensure transparency in the allocation of federal funds to states and local governments, noting that development at the grassroots remains minimal despite significant inflows.

NYUG further criticized chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, for insisting that the January 1, 2026 start date remain unchanged. 

The Union said, “This stance is fueling anger among the youth. Is Nigeria now a country where laws are imposed without legitimacy or public consent?"

The coalition, however, urged President Tinubu to postpone implementation, launch a nationwide public sensitization campaign, and allow the National Assembly to complete its investigation, warning that any attempt to proceed without addressing these concerns would face massive public opposition.

OTN News recalls that President Tinubu recently signed into law the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.