The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has planned a countrywide protest on January 14, 2026, to show opposition to new tax laws. They are concerned that these changes might make things worse for students and many Nigerians facing financial trouble.
In a statement on Wednesday, NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, said he was unhappy with how the Federal Government is handling the tax reform.
He criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s advisors for giving bad advice that might cause more problems in the country.
Oladoja also pointed out that the head of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, didn’t do a good job in talking to people and getting their input before the tax changes were introduced.
He warned that not involving people enough and not planning the rollout well could hurt progress in other areas of the economy.
He argued that starting the Tax Reform Law on January 1, 2026, goes against the principles of democracy and involving the public in decision-making.
“Starting the Tax Reform Law on January 1, 2026, sets a dangerous example for a government that claims to support democratic values and public involvement,” Oladoja said.
He explained that in a democracy, big policies shouldn’t be pushed through without people’s agreement.
He mentioned reports that the National Assembly had raised issues about differences between the published law and the version they saw. He added that civil society groups, young people, and students had asked for the policy to be stopped until there’s more transparency and public awareness.
As a response, NANS has set January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action. They are telling all branches, state groups, and regional leaders to organize peaceful protests across the country, including marches to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“Without the people, there can be no government.
Although power may be in offices, the power of the people is always greater,” Oladoja added.