The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has warned security agencies to prepare for possible civil unrest following the implementation of new tax laws that took effect on January 1, 2026.
The warning comes amid growing opposition from labour groups, students, and civil society organisations who argue that the reforms could worsen the country’s cost-of-living pressures.
The alert was issued on January 5 by Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the NRS, barely days after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) officially transitioned into the newly created NRS.
The transition marks a major plank of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform agenda aimed at modernizingk
Nigeria’s fiscal system, improving efficiency, and centralising revenue collection.
According to Adedeji, intelligence reports indicate that some individuals and groups are planning nationwide protests against the new tax regime.
He alleged that resistance to the reforms is being driven largely by “tax avoiders” and what he described as “unpatriotic elements” who are uncomfortable with the digitalisation of tax administration, which limits opportunities for evasion and under-reporting.
Defending the reforms, the NRS chairman maintained that the new laws are structured to protect low-income earners while ensuring that high-net-worth individuals and large corporations contribute their fair share to government revenues.
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He argued that improved revenue collection is critical for funding infrastructure, social services, and economic efforts.
Reports indicate that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), alongside other advocacy groups, has declared January 14, 2026, a “National Day of Action” to protest the new tax measures.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also voiced concerns, warning that the reforms could indirectly increase prices of goods and services and place additional strain on households.
The rollout of the tax laws has been controversial from the outset. Several lawsuits were filed in late 2025 seeking to halt their implementation. However, a Federal Capital Territory High Court dismissed a key suit in December, clearing the legal path for the reforms to commence on January 1.
As enforcement begins, the NRS appears braced for resistance, while the government insists the reforms are necessary to broaden the tax base and stabilize Nigeria’s public finances.
