NANS Declares Jan 14, 2026 National Protest Against New Tax Reform Laws

 

       The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced Tuesday, January 14, 2026, as a

 National Day of Action to protest the implementation of the new Tax Reform Laws, citing their

 potential adverse impact on students and the wider Nigerian populace.

NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, where

 he expressed deep disappointment and a total lack of confidence in the fiscal and economic advisers to

 President Bola Tinubu. He alleged that, through what he described as misguided counsel, the President

 is being pushed toward an avoidable national confrontation over the controversial tax reforms.

Oladoja accused the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, of

 failing in the management of preliminary engagements ahead of the new tax regime’s implementation.

 He said Adedeji’s alleged incompetence, poor stakeholder management, and flawed implementation

 strategy risk undermining the Tinubu administration’s achievements in other critical sectors of the

 economy.

According to him, the decision to proceed with implementing the Tax Reform Law from January 1,

 2026, is “unfortunate” and sets a dangerous precedent for a government that claims commitment to

 participatory reforms and democratic values.

“Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a dictatorship. No policy, no matter how well-intentioned,

 can be forcefully implemented without the consent and confidence of the majority of the people,”

 Oladoja said.

He further described it as disturbing that the President is being advised to proceed with implementation

 despite concerns raised by the National Assembly over discrepancies in the gazetted version of the law.

The NANS President also condemned the government’s decision to move ahead with the reforms

 despite the harsh economic consequences they could have on many Nigerians. He noted that civil

 society organisations, youth groups, and students’ bodies nationwide have called for a suspension of the

 law’s implementation until all grey areas—particularly issues of constitutional integrity, transparency,

 and public sensitisation—are resolved.

Oladoja stressed that there can be no government without the governed, adding that while power may

 reside in offices, the power of the people ultimately remains supreme.

“It is against this backdrop that NANS declares Tuesday, January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action

 against the implementation of the controversial Tax Reform Law,” the statement read.

He called on all NANS structures, including

campus chapters, state joint councils, zonal coordinators, and the national secretariat, to commence

 immediate and massive mobilisation for a peaceful protest and march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja

 on the scheduled date.