The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has declared its intention to stage a nationwide protest on January 14, 2026, in opposition to the implementation of newly introduced tax laws, warning that the reforms could deepen economic hardship for students and millions of Nigerians.
The plan was made public in a statement released on Wednesday by the NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, who expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s approach to the tax reform laws.
Oladoja accused advisers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of offering what he described as misguided counsel that could generate avoidable national tension.
He also criticised the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, alleging that there was a failure to properly manage stakeholder engagement and consultations before rolling out the policy.
According to him, poor consultation and weak implementation strategies risk undermining progress already made in other sectors of the economy.
The NANS president further argued that the decision to begin implementation of the Tax Reform Law on January 1, 2026, runs contrary to democratic ideals and participatory governance.
“The decision to commence implementation of the Tax Reform Law from January 1, 2026, sets a dangerous precedent for a government that claims commitment to democratic values and participatory governance,” Oladoja said.
He stressed that in a constitutional democracy, significant policies should not be enforced without broad public input. He cited reports that the National Assembly had raised concerns about inconsistencies in the gazetted version of the law, adding that civil society groups, youth organisations, and student bodies had called for the suspension of the policy pending improved transparency and public awareness.
In response to the situation, NANS announced January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action, instructing all its chapters, state councils, and zonal coordinators to mobilise for peaceful protests across the country, including planned marches to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“There can be no government without the governed. While power may reside in offices, the power of the people will always be greater,” Oladoja added.
