Premium News
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commenced nationwide mobilisation of students to protest the implementation of the President Bola Tinubu-led government’s new tax laws, which took effect on January 1, 2026.
The student body announced January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action, warning that it would lead a mass protest against what it described as the controversial Tax Reform Law unless its implementation is suspended.
The development comes amid growing opposition to the new tax regime, which has sparked debate over alleged inconsistencies between the versions of the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and the copies 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 urged the federal government to halt the implementation pending clarification.
However, President Tinubu dismissed the calls for suspension, stating on Tuesday that no significant issues had been identified to justify interrupting the reform process.
NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, while reacting to the government’s decision to proceed with the rollout, criticised the move, stating that it was inappropriate to enforce the law while unresolved concerns remain.
According to Oladoja, going ahead with the implementation despite widespread objections undermines democratic engagement and public trust.
He described the government’s stance as a troubling signal for a reform process that ought to be inclusive and transparent.
“The insistence on enforcement from January 1, despite unresolved questions surrounding the law, reflects a dismissive attitude toward citizens’ concerns,” he said as quoted by Daily Trust report.
“For a government that claims to uphold democratic principles, this approach sends the wrong message.”
The NANS president also faulted the Presidency’s statement reaffirming the commencement date, arguing that it disregards the role of Nigerians in a democratic system and sidelines ordinary citizens most affected by the reforms.
As part of its response, NANS has directed its structures at all levels to begin immediate preparations for a peaceful mass protest in Abuja. Oladoja said the planned march would culminate at the Presidential Villa, with students expected to converge at the Unity Fountain.
He stressed that the association’s position remains firm, calling for an immediate suspension of the tax law’s implementation to allow for proper review and resolution of the alleged discrepancies.
“Our demand is straightforward,” he said. “The implementation of the Tax Reform Law must be put on hold until all contentious issues are addressed.”
NANS warned that failure to heed its call could lead to sustained student-led protests across the country, adding to mounting pressure on the federal government over the new tax regime.
