As the new tax laws take effect today, several major groups have voiced strong opposition, saying the reforms will worsen the economic hardship many Nigerians already face.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and other civil society organisations gathered in Abuja on Monday to protest the start of the tax regime. They argued that the government pushed the laws through without sufficient public consultation or education, leaving millions unprepared for the new levies.
ADC leaders said citizens are already struggling with high food prices, soaring fuel costs and rising inflation. They warned that the new taxes could further squeeze household budgets and depress economic activity. “These laws will burden ordinary Nigerians at a time they can least afford it,” the party’s national publicity secretary said.
Labour Party officials described the implementation as “ill‑timed and insensitive,” urging the government to reconsider or delay the rollout to allow for broader stakeholder engagement. The LP said it will challenge the law in court if authorities refuse to review key provisions.
Students under the umbrella of NANS also joined the protests, saying increased taxes will make education and daily living more expensive for youth already hit hard by unemployment and school costs.
Civil society groups called for dialogue and demanded transparency in how collected taxes will be used to improve public services. They argued that without a clear plan, the reforms risk deepening poverty and fuelling discontent.
As the laws take effect, protesters warned that the government must act now to address public concerns or risk intensified resistance in the weeks ahead.
