The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has rejected the newly introduced tax law under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that its planned implementation could spark resistance and carry serious political consequences.
The northern youth group described the law as “governance by ambush,” alleging that the version gazetted and presented to the public differs significantly from what was debated and passed by the National Assembly..
In a strongly worded statement issued by its Speaker, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, the Assembly said any discrepancy between the law approved by lawmakers and the one officially published amounted to a grave violation of democratic principles and due process.
“If the law presented to Nigerians is not the same law debated and passed by their elected representatives, then democracy itself is being subverted,” the statement said.
AYA argued that legislation represents the collective will of the people and must not be altered after parliamentary approval. It maintained that any post-approval modification constituted deception, a breach of constitutional procedure and a betrayal of public trust.
The group further alleged that while lawmakers approved a tax framework following extensive deliberations and amendments, the gazetted version reportedly contains provisions that were neither debated nor sanctioned by the legislature.
“This is not a minor clerical error. It is a constitutional crisis that suggests executive overreach, legislative fraud and a dangerous disregard for the rule of law,” the statement added.
The Assembly also linked its opposition to the prevailing economic hardship in the country, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where poverty, unemployment, inflation and insecurity remain widespread.
“A government that cannot uphold legislative integrity has no moral authority to impose additional fiscal burdens on a suffering population,” the group said, rejecting what it described as “extortion disguised as policy.”
AYA warned that enforcing a tax law whose legality is in doubt could deepen public distrust and provoke widespread opposition.
Meanwhile, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has defended the new tax laws, insisting that they are designed to boost economic competitiveness, attract investment and ensure long-term fiscal stability.
The clarification was made at a one-day dialogue organised by CATAI in collaboration with ActionAid, themed ‘Youth, Tax Reform and Accountability: Building Informed Voices for Tax’.
Speaking at the forum, FIRS Tax Controller, Dr. Adamu Isa, said the reforms include incentives aimed at easing compliance and encouraging investment, stressing that many concerns stem from misinformation.
“There are many incentives for the taxpaying public to enjoy. What is important is to listen to the right people and get properly informed,” Isa said.
He urged Nigerians, particularly youths, to engage constructively with tax authorities, noting that voluntary compliance would strengthen public revenue and support sustainable national development.
Also speaking, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of CATAI, Abubakar Sadiq Mu’azu, said the dialogue was organised to promote inclusive governance by improving citizens’ understanding of tax reforms and strengthening civic engagement.
He noted that informed participation in tax governance was critical to building a just, accountable and inclusive society, especially for youths and other marginalised groups.
