The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has appealed to security agencies to remain alert amid circulating rumours of planned protests against the newly introduced tax laws, stressing the need to counter misinformation and maintain public order.
Dr. Adedeji made the appeal on Sunday during an interview on Arise Television, where he expressed concerns about unverified claims and speculative narratives that, in his view, are stoking fears and agitation rather than fostering informed understanding of the tax reforms.
He urged Nigerians to differentiate between fact and rumour, advising them to carefully study the tax laws and understand how the provisions affect them personally, rather than being swayed by social media posts or calls for mass action.
“The only message I have for Nigerians is that people should not listen to rumours. They should analyse the data as it affects them. They should wait for the result, not mass or mob action,” Dr. Adedeji said, reinforcing the importance of evidence‑based public discourse.
Reaffirming Legitimacy of Tax Laws
Adedeji dismissed calls for suspension of the new tax laws, describing such demands as unconstitutional. He highlighted that the tax reform bills underwent extensive consultations, including public hearings at the National Assembly for over six months before being passed into law. He underscored that laws duly enacted by the legislature cannot be suspended by individuals or pressure groups outside legally defined emergency frameworks.
While the implementation of the tax reforms commenced on January 1, mixed reactions continue to trail the harmonised tax system as Nigerians adjust to the changes and seek clarity on how the provisions will impact personal and business finances.
Call for Calm and Civic Engagement
In his remarks, the NRS chairman appealed for calm and civic responsibility, urging security agencies to be prepared for any developments while encouraging citizens to engage constructively through proper channels if they have grievances.
He also suggested that the protests he referred to were less likely to reflect the genuine concerns of low‑income Nigerians, whom the reforms aim to protect, but instead could be driven by individuals opposed to the policy’s objectives.
Dr. Adedeji’s message comes at a time when tax policy reforms—intended to streamline tax administration and broaden the tax base—continue to generate discussion across economic and public spheres, including debates on fairness, compliance, and the role of taxation in national growth.
