The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for the immediate removal of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, citing gross incompetence in handling the new Tax Reform Law. The student body has also declared January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action, with plans for a major protest at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Students Issue Ultimatum Over Tax Law Rollout
This decisive move by NANS comes just hours after President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed that the implementation of the controversial Tax Reform Law would proceed as scheduled from January 1, 2026. In a strongly-worded statement released on Tuesday night and signed by its National President, Olushola Oladoja, NANS accused the FIRS leadership of a total failure in the design, execution, and public communication surrounding the tax reforms.
The association criticized the government for its lack of adequate engagement with critical stakeholders, particularly students and vulnerable groups, before rolling out the policy. Oladoja described the Presidency's insistence on proceeding as a "grave insult" to Nigerians, emphasizing that the power of the people ultimately outweighs the authority of those in office.
Mobilization for January 14 National Protest
NANS has directed all its structures across the nation to begin immediate mobilization for a peaceful mass protest. The demonstration is set to commence at the Unity Fountain in Abuja and proceed to the gates of the Presidential Villa.
Oladoja outlined the association's non-negotiable demands:
- The immediate suspension of the Tax Reform Law implementation.
- The immediate removal of FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji for gross incompetence and poor performance.
He warned that the absence of proper consultation and public sensitization has led to widespread confusion, misinformation, and resistance. NANS argues that the reform, in its current form, will place an additional economic burden on students and ordinary Nigerians already struggling with a high cost of living.
Potential Consequences of Forging Ahead
The student body issued a stern warning that forcing the policy through without addressing public concerns could have severe repercussions. They stated it risks exacerbating social tensions and further eroding public trust in government policies.
NANS maintains that while the intent behind the Tax Reform Law may be sound, its flawed rollout and the perceived failure of the FIRS leadership under Adedeji have made it deeply controversial. The planned protest on January 14 represents a significant escalation in civil society response to the policy, setting the stage for a major confrontation if the government does not alter its course.
