ADC Youth Wing Demands Action on Tax Law Concerns, Threatens Protests

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Youth Wing has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government, demanding immediate action regarding what it terms “controversial and unconstitutional provisions” in the recently enacted 2025 Tax Laws. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to these laws, which the ADC claims undermine democratic processes and impose unfair fiscal burdens on the Nigerian populace, particularly the youth.

During a press conference held in Kano, National Youth Leader Comrade Balarabe Rufai expressed the group’s deep concerns over the implications of the new tax framework. He accused the federal government and the national assembly of creating a “fiscal extraction regime” that primarily benefits the political elite and foreign interests, while neglecting the economic realities faced by young Nigerians.

Rufai warned that failure to address their demands within the specified period would lead to nationwide actions, including a taxpayer strike and mass protests targeting revenue-generating institutions. He emphasized that the youth, who represent a significant portion of the population, deserve a tax framework that reflects their economic challenges.

On December 23, 2025, members of the ADC Youth Wing submitted a formal petition to the national assembly outlining their grievances concerning the tax laws. Rufai characterized the assembly’s lack of response as an “arrogant silence” and a failure to fulfill its legislative duties.

The ADC Youth Wing has raised specific concerns regarding clauses within the tax framework, notably Section 41(8) and Section 60. Section 41(8) mandates taxpayers to deposit 20 percent of disputed tax assessments before they can file appeals. Section 60 allegedly grants tax officers arrest powers. Rufai stated that these provisions were inserted without adequate legislative debate or approval. “This is black-market legislation and a direct assault on constitutional governance,” he asserted.

In addition, the youth wing criticized a memorandum of understanding signed on December 10, 2025, between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFIP). The ADC claims this agreement poses a national security risk by potentially exposing sensitive financial and biometric data, including Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identification Numbers (NIN), to foreign entities under the guise of technical assistance.

The ADC Youth Wing also highlighted what it views as inequitable fiscal priorities, noting that while the Ministry of Youth Development received an allocation of N14 billion, significantly larger sums were allegedly directed towards “vanity projects” and recurrent expenses. This has fueled further discontent among the youth regarding the government’s commitment to addressing their needs.

As tensions rise, the ADC Youth Wing remains resolute in its demands for a fair and transparent tax system that prioritizes the welfare of young Nigerians and strengthens democratic governance. The outcome of this ultimatum may significantly influence the political landscape and youth engagement in the country moving forward.