Ethnic Youth Leaders Hail Court’s Go-ahead On New Tax Laws

Ethnic youth leaders from across Nigeria have welcomed the court ruling approving the implementation of the new tax laws, describing the judgement as “popular,” “progressive,” and a major victory for the national interest.

The youths, drawn from Arewa, Ohanaeze, Oduduwa, the Middle Belt and the South-South groups, made their position known in a joint statement issued and signed by their Joint Convener, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf.

Recall that the Incorporated Trustees of African Initiative for Abuse Public Trustees had dragged the Federal Government, the President, the Attorney General of the Federation, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly to court over alleged discrepancies in the tax laws.

However, in a ruling delivered on Monday, the court directed the Federal Government, the defunct Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Assembly to proceed with the take-off and implementation of the new tax regime scheduled for January 1, 2026.

Reacting to the judgement, the youth leaders said the ruling “has once again affirmed the independence of the judiciary and reinforced the rule of law,” stressing that the decision reflected “the collective aspiration of Nigerians for a fair, transparent, and sustainable fiscal system.”

According to them, the new tax laws were “a critical reform aimed at strengthening revenue generation, reducing overdependence on borrowing, and creating a more equitable economic framework that will ultimately benefit both present and future generations.”

“The court ruling granting the go-ahead for the implementation of the new tax law is a victory for national interest over narrow political or sectional considerations,” the statement read. “It is a popular decision that places Nigeria’s economic survival and growth above all else.”

The youth leaders urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to remain calm and supportive of the reform process, noting that “meaningful economic transformation requires collective sacrifice and shared responsibility.”

They also appealed to political actors, civil society organisations and community leaders to avoid actions capable of derailing the process, warning against misinformation and incitement.

“All stakeholders must desist from misinformation, incitement or actions capable of undermining the successful implementation of the new tax regime,” they said.

Clarifying concerns in some quarters, the youths stressed that the reform was not targeted at any particular group or region.

“The new tax law is not targeted at any group or region. Rather, it is designed to promote fairness, accountability, and national cohesion while providing government with the resources needed to deliver critical infrastructure and social services,” the statement added.

The ethnic youth leaders commended the Federal Government for its resolve to pursue economic reforms in what they described as the overall national interest, pledging their continued support for policies aimed at strengthening the economy.

“We commend the Federal Government for its courage and determination to pursue economic reforms in the national interest, and we pledge our continued support for policies that will strengthen Nigeria’s economy and secure a prosperous future for the youth,” they said.

They further reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful advocacy and civic engagement, stressing that Nigeria’s economic revival depends on unity and collective buy-in.

“Nigeria’s renewed economic glory lies in unity, discipline and total buy-in from all citizens,” the statement concluded.