Niger Delta CSOs call off Feb. 9 protest after talks with FG

A coalition of civil society organisations from the Niger Delta has suspended a planned mass protest against Nigeria’s newly introduced Tax Law after what it described as constructive engagements with relevant federal authorities.

The protest, slated for February 9, 2026, was expected to take place in Abuja and across Niger Delta states. It was intended to draw national attention to concerns over the perceived socio-economic consequences of the new tax regime on oil-producing communities already grappling with poverty, environmental degradation, unemployment and poor infrastructure.

Announcing the suspension in a joint statement, leaders of the Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organisations (CNDCSOs) — Ambassador Okporu, Ebi Augustine and Comrade Jesse Birinumughan — said consultations and interventions by key stakeholders within the Federal Government had helped to de-escalate tensions and opened the door for dialogue.

According to the coalition, the decision to halt the protest was taken as a goodwill gesture to allow the Federal Government sufficient time to engage civil society groups and other critical stakeholders from the region on the issues raised.

“Our decision to step back from the planned protest is anchored on assurances received that our grievances will be reviewed through inclusive engagement and transparent processes,” the statement said. “We believe dialogue remains the most effective pathway to resolving policy issues of national importance.”

While acknowledging taxation as a legitimate tool for national development, the coalition stressed that policies with direct implications for citizens’ livelihoods must be people-centred, consultative and responsive to regional realities — particularly in the Niger Delta, which it noted has endured decades of environmental and social costs linked to oil exploration.

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The CNDCSOs reaffirmed that its core demands — including a review of the new tax law, robust stakeholder engagement, public sensitisation and transparency in the utilisation of tax revenues — remain unchanged and non-negotiable, despite the shift toward a more diplomatic approach.

It further warned that the suspension of the protest should not be mistaken for a retreat from civic duty, noting that civil society organisations would continue to closely monitor developments and retain the right to mobilise peacefully if promised engagements fail to produce tangible outcomes.

The coalition also disclosed that it had maintained open communication with security agencies and government institutions, adding that copies of its earlier protest notice had been forwarded to the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Ministers of Defence and Interior, as well as the Department of State Services.

Observers say the decision to suspend the protest has helped ease rising tensions in both the Niger Delta and Abuja, creating an opportunity for dialogue, policy review and broader engagement in line with democratic principles and constitutional governance.

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