The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action to protest the implementation of the Federal Government’s new tax laws, which took effect on January 1.
The student body says it has begun nationwide mobilisation and warned that it will lead a mass protest unless the controversial Tax Reform Law is immediately suspended.
The planned protest comes amid growing resistance to the new tax regime, following claims of discrepancies between the versions of the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and those later gazetted. Several stakeholders—including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the minority caucus of the House of Representatives—have called on the government to halt implementation pending clarification.
Despite the concerns, President Bola Tinubu has rejected calls for suspension, insisting on Tuesday that no serious issues have been identified to warrant stopping the reforms.
Reacting, NANS President Olushola Oladoja criticised the government’s decision to proceed, describing it as inappropriate to enforce the law while key questions remain unresolved. He said pushing ahead despite widespread objections undermines democratic participation and public trust.
“The insistence on enforcing the law from January 1, despite unresolved concerns, reflects a dismissive attitude toward citizens’ voices,” Oladoja said. “For a government that claims to uphold democratic principles, this sends the wrong message.”
He also faulted the Presidency’s reaffirmation of the commencement date, arguing that it sidelines ordinary Nigerians who will bear the brunt of the reforms.
According to Oladoja, NANS has directed its structures nationwide to begin preparations for a peaceful protest in Abuja. Students are expected to converge at the Unity Fountain before marching to the Presidential Villa.
“Our demand is simple,” he said. “The implementation of the Tax Reform Law must be suspended until all contentious issues are properly addressed.”
NANS warned that failure to heed its call could trigger sustained, nationwide student protests, adding to the growing pressure on the federal government over the new tax regime.
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