Nigerian Students NANS Fixes January 14 For Mass Protest Against Tinubu’s Controversial Tax Laws
January 2, 2026
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has begun nationwide mobilisation to protest the implementation of the Federal Government’s new tax laws, which took effect on January 1, 2026.
The student body has declared January 14, 2026, a National Day of Action, warning that it will lead a mass protest if the controversial Tax Reform Law is not suspended.
The planned protest comes amid growing opposition to the new tax regime, with critics alleging 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 these concerns, President Bola Tinubu has rejected calls for suspension, insisting that no significant issues warrant a pause in the reform process.
Reacting to the government’s stance, NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, criticised the decision to proceed with the rollout, describing it as inappropriate given the unresolved controversies surrounding the law. He argued that enforcing the tax reforms despite widespread objections undermines democratic engagement and public trust.
“The insistence on enforcement from January 1, despite unresolved questions surrounding the law, reflects a dismissive attitude toward citizens’ concerns,” Oladoja said. “For a government that claims to uphold democratic principles, this approach sends the wrong message.”
He also faulted the Presidency’s reaffirmation of the commencement date, stating that it sidelines ordinary Nigerians who are most affected by the reforms.
As part of its response, NANS has instructed its structures nationwide to begin preparations for a peaceful mass protest in Abuja. According to Oladoja, the march will start at the Unity Fountain and culminate at the Presidential Villa.
He reiterated the association’s demand for an immediate suspension of the tax law’s implementation to allow for a comprehensive review and resolution of the alleged inconsistencies.
“Our demand is simple,” he said. “The implementation of the Tax Reform Law must be suspended until all contentious issues are fully addressed.”
NANS warned that failure to heed its call could result in sustained student-led protests across the country, further increasing pressure on the Federal Government over the new tax regime.