Group Backs Students For Halting Protest Against Tax Reform

The Progressive Students Movement has hailed the National Association of Nigerian Students for suspending its planned nationwide protest over the Tax Reform Act.

The group stated that the decision followed extensive consultations and a deeper understanding of the law’s provisions, gained through engagement with key stakeholders.

In a statement yesterday, the PSM president, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, said the position was reached during an expanded National Executive Council meeting of NANS held in Abuja.

The meeting, themed “National Executive Council and Structural Stakeholders’ Forum 2026 on the Tax Reform Act,” brought together leaders of NANS, NAUS, NAPS, NACES, the Joint Campus Committees and national indigenous students’ associations.

According to the statement, participants unanimously backed the tax reform, describing it as a well-intentioned fiscal policy aimed at strengthening the economy and shielding low-income earners.

PSM particularly praised the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Prof Taiwo Oyedele, for what it called his detailed and patient explanations of the law to student leaders.

The movement noted that clarifications showed minimum wage earners are exempted, while gifts and remittances are also not taxable under the new regime.

It commended the NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, for what it described as “mature leadership,” anchored on consultation, consolidation and communication before confrontation.

PSM also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it termed decisive steps to steer Nigeria away from economic collapse.