The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action to protest the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s new tax laws, which took effect on January 1. The student body warned that it would lead a mass demonstration unless the controversial Tax Reform Law is suspended for review.

The protest comes amid rising opposition to the tax regime, sparked by alleged inconsistencies between the bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions later gazetted. Various 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 federal government to pause implementation pending clarification.

Despite these concerns, President Tinubu maintained that there were no significant issues warranting a suspension. Reacting to this, NANS President Olushola Oladoja criticised the government for proceeding with enforcement, saying it undermines democratic participation and public trust.

Oladoja emphasised that the law’s rollout without addressing unresolved questions signals a dismissive attitude toward ordinary citizens most affected by the reforms. He announced that NANS structures nationwide are mobilising for a peaceful mass protest in Abuja, culminating at the Presidential Villa, with students converging at Unity Fountain.

“Our demand is straightforward: the implementation of the Tax Reform Law must be suspended until all contentious issues are resolved,” Oladoja said. NANS warned that failure to heed the call could trigger sustained student-led protests across the country, adding pressure on the federal government over the tax policy.