The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has begun mobilising students nationwide to protest the implementation of the Tax Law Reforms scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.
The student body faulted the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for pushing ahead with implementation despite what it described as unresolved issues in the gazetted law.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS expressed strong dissatisfaction with the fiscal direction of the Bola Tinubu administration, accusing government advisers of steering the country towards an avoidable confrontation.
NANS alleged that FIRS failed to adequately engage critical stakeholders and the general public before moving to implement the law.
“The decision to proceed with implementing the Tax Reform Law from 1 January 2026 is not only unfortunate but sets a dangerous precedent for a government that claims commitment to democratic values,” the statement said.
The association argued that Nigeria, as a constitutional democracy, cannot impose major policy changes without public consent, especially when the National Assembly has raised concerns over discrepancies in the gazetted version of the law.
NANS also noted that civil society organisations, youth groups and student bodies have called for the suspension of the law’s implementation until concerns relating to constitutional integrity, transparency and public sensitisation are addressed.
Describing the Presidency’s insistence on proceeding with implementation as “insulting”, the student body accused the government of high-handedness and disregard for public opinion.
Against this backdrop, NANS declared Tuesday, January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action against the Tax Reform Law.
Oladoja said students would stage a peaceful mass protest and march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with the Unity Fountain designated as the convergence point.
He said NANS’ demand remains the immediate suspension of the law’s implementation, stressing that the association remains committed to peaceful engagement but will resist any attempt to impose policies without transparency, consent and constitutional compliance.
