New Tax Law: NANS Mobilises Nationwide Protest, Faults FIRS and Tinubu Administration Over 2026 Implementation Plan

NANS Mobilises nationwide Protest against the proposed Implementation of Nigeria's New Tax Reform Law

 The controversy surrounding Nigeria’s newly introduced Tax Reform Law has continued to intensify as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) formally announced plans to mobilize students across the country against its implementation. In a strongly worded statement, the student body rejected the planned commencement date of January 1, 2026, accusing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and key economic advisers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of pushing Nigeria toward an avoidable national crisis. According to NANS, the government’s insistence on implementing the tax reforms despite unresolved legal, constitutional, and procedural concerns represents a serious threat to democratic governance, public trust, and economic stability.

NANS Expresses Lack of Confidence in Government’s Economic Advisers
The position of the student union was made public in a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, and released to journalists on Tuesday. In the statement, NANS expressed “profound disappointment and total lack of confidence” in the fiscal and economic advisers surrounding President Tinubu, whom the association accused of offering “misguided counsel” that could plunge the country into unnecessary confrontation.
According to NANS, the Tax Reform Law, though potentially beneficial in concept, has been poorly handled, inadequately explained, and controversially gazetted, raising serious doubts about the integrity of the process.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) expresses its profound disappointment and total lack of confidence in the fiscal and economic advisers surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose misguided counsel has continued to push the administration toward an avoidable national confrontation over the controversial Tax Reform Law,” the statement read.

FIRS Accused of Failing to Engage Stakeholders
Central to NANS’ opposition is its criticism of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which the group accused of failing to engage key stakeholders, including students, youth organizations, civil society groups, and the general public. The student body argued that for a reform as sensitive and far-reaching as taxation, especially in a country grappling with inflation, unemployment, rising tuition fees, and cost-of-living pressures, broad consultation is not optional but essential. NANS maintained that Nigerians were largely left in the dark about the detailed implications of the new tax law, making the planned implementation appear rushed, secretive, and insensitive.

The planned implementation date of January 1, 2026, has become a major flashpoint in the controversy. According to NANS, enforcing the law on that date while “critical grey areas” remain unresolved is dangerous and undemocratic. The association warned that the decision could worsen economic hardship for millions of Nigerians, particularly students and low-income families already struggling with increased fuel prices, transportation costs, rent, and food inflation.

“The decision to proceed with implementing the Tax Reform Law from 1 January 2026 is not only unfortunate but also sets a dangerous precedent for a government that claims commitment to participatory reforms and democratic values,” NANS stated.

National Assembly Raised Concerns, NANS Reminds Presidency
NANS also pointed out that members of the National Assembly, Nigeria’s constitutionally recognized representatives of the people, have raised serious questions about discrepancies in the gazetted version of the Tax Reform Law. According to the student body, ignoring these concerns undermines legislative authority and weakens the democratic process.

“Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a dictatorship. No policy, no matter how well-intentioned, should be forcefully implemented without the consent and confidence of the majority of the people,” the statement said.

The association described it as “disturbing and unacceptable” that the presidency appears determined to move forward with implementation even as lawmakers continue to question the law’s legal and constitutional foundations.

Civil Society, Youth Groups Align With NANS’ Position
Beyond students, NANS noted that several civil society organizations, youth groups, and professional bodies across the country have publicly expressed reservations about the new tax law. Many of these groups have called for the suspension of implementation until all issues relating to constitutional integrity, transparency, and public enlightenment are fully addressed. According to NANS, this growing coalition of dissenting voices reflects widespread national anxiety rather than isolated student activism.

Presidency’s Statement Described as “Grave Insult”
The student body reacted sharply to a recent statement from the presidency reaffirming that implementation of the Tax Reform Law would proceed as scheduled. NANS described the statement as a “grave insult” to Nigerians who entrusted the current administration with power through democratic elections.

“To observe that the process for engaging citizens over the Tax Reform Law is not democratic reflects hegemony, high-handedness, and outright disregard for citizens, especially ordinary Nigerians,” the association declared.

‘There Can Be No Government Without the Governed’ – NANS
In a powerful reminder of democratic principles, NANS stressed that political power ultimately belongs to the people. The group warned that while authority may reside in government offices, legitimacy flows from public consent, adding that ignoring popular opinion could have serious consequences.

“The government must understand that there can be no government without the governed. While power may reside in offices, the power of the people is always greater than the people in power,” the statement added.

January 14, 2026, Declared National Day of Action
In response to the government’s stance, NANS officially declared Tuesday, January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action against the implementation of the Tax Reform Law.
The association announced plans for a peaceful mass protest and nationwide mobilization of students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria. According to the statement, the climax of the protest will be a march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of power.

NANS revealed that the Unity Fountain, Abuja, would serve as the convergence point for protesters on the day of action. The National President called on all structures of the association—including campus chapters, state joint councils, zonal coordinators, and the national secretariat—to begin immediate mobilization. Further operational and security details, the group said, would be communicated in due course.

NANS’ Demands: Suspension of Tax Law Implementation
NANS emphasized that its demands are clear, non-negotiable, and rooted in democratic values.
At the top of its demands is the immediate suspension of the implementation of the Tax Reform Law until all contentious issues are resolved. While acknowledging that the law may be “beautiful in intent,” the student body insisted that its current form and handling render it deeply controversial.
See Also...Breaking: 38 Worshippers Abducted from Kwara Church Regain Freedom After Five Days in Captivity
Commitment to Peaceful and Lawful Action
Despite its strong language, NANS reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement, lawful protest, and national development. The association stressed that its opposition is not an attack on governance but a defense of transparency, accountability, and constitutional compliance.

“NANS remains committed to democracy, peaceful engagement, and national development, but we will resist, through collective and lawful action, any attempt to impose policies on Nigerians without transparency, consent, and constitutional compliance,” the statement concluded.

As Nigeria edges closer to 2026, pressure continues to mount on the Tinubu administration to revisit the Tax Reform Law, open wider consultations, and rebuild public trust. With students, civil society groups, and lawmakers raising concerns, analysts warn that failure to address these issues could escalate tensions and deepen public discontent. For now, all eyes are on the federal government and FIRS as Nigerians await clarity on whether dialogue or confrontation will define the next phase of the tax reform debate.

By Primelineinfo