The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on January 14, 2026, against the implementation of the newly introduced tax laws, warning that the reforms could worsen the economic burden on students and millions of Nigerians.
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, who expressed what he described as deep disappointment and a lack of confidence in the fiscal and economic advisers to President Bola Tinubu.
According to Oladoja, the President has been misled by what he termed “misguided advice,” pushing the administration towards an unnecessary national confrontation over the controversial Tax Reform Laws.
He also criticised the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, accusing him of failing to properly manage stakeholder engagements ahead of the implementation.
Oladoja alleged that poor consultation, weak stakeholder management and a flawed rollout strategy could undermine the gains already recorded by the Tinubu administration in other sectors of the economy.
“The decision to commence implementation of the Tax Reform Law from January 1, 2026, is unfortunate and sets a dangerous precedent for a government that claims commitment to democratic values and participatory governance,” he said.
The NANS president further argued that Nigeria, as a constitutional democracy, cannot impose major policies without the consent and confidence of the people, especially when the National Assembly has reportedly raised concerns about discrepancies in the gazetted version of the law.
He described it as unacceptable for the government to proceed with implementation despite warnings about the likely economic hardship it could impose on citizens.
Oladoja added that civil society organisations, youth groups and students’ bodies nationwide have called for a suspension of the policy until constitutional, transparency and public awareness issues are fully addressed.
“There can be no government without the governed. While power may reside in offices, the power of the people will always be greater,” he said.
Against this backdrop, NANS declared Tuesday, January 14, 2026, a National Day of Action and called on all its structures — including campus chapters, state joint councils and zonal coordinators — to begin immediate mobilisation for a peaceful mass protest.
The planned action will include a march to the gates of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
