The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to embark on a nationwide protest on January 14, 2026, over the implementation of newly introduced tax laws.
The association warns that the reforms could deepen economic hardship for students and millions of Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s handling of the tax reform laws.
Oladoja accused advisers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of offering what he described as misguided counsel capable of creating unnecessary national tension.
He also criticised the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, alleging a failure to adequately manage stakeholder engagement and consultations prior to the rollout of the policy.
According to him, poor consultation and a weak implementation strategy could undermine progress recorded in other sectors of the economy.
Oladoja further argued that the decision to commence implementation of the Tax Reform Law on January 1, 2026, runs contrary to democratic principles 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,” he said.
He stressed that in a constitutional democracy, major policies should not be imposed without broad public consensus, noting reports that the National Assembly had raised concerns over discrepancies in the gazetted version of the law.
Oladoja added that civil society organisations, youth groups and student bodies had called for the suspension of the policy pending improved transparency and wider public sensitisation.
In response, NANS declared January 14, 2026, a National Day of Action, directing all chapters, state councils and zonal coordinators to mobilise for peaceful protests nationwide, including 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.
