The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate withdrawal of the Tax Reform Bills recently submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. The union insists that the process must involve key national stakeholders to ensure inclusivity and transparency.
In a New Year message titled ‘In 2025, hope is in our collective resolve’, NLC President Joe Ajaero highlighted the rising cost of living and urged the government to prioritize policies that enhance citizen welfare. Ajaero criticized the controversial nature of the bills, particularly in northern regions, where they have been labeled as harmful to economic growth. He emphasized that crafting a comprehensive national tax policy requires collaboration across sectors to secure broader acceptance.
The NLC’s statement outlined key priorities for the government in 2025, including improving access to food, healthcare, housing, education, transportation, and security. Ajaero also reaffirmed the union’s commitment to securing better worker welfare, advocating for an upward wage review to address the economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers.
“The government must comply with the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act and respect agreements with trade unions,” Ajaero stated, warning against the use of force in dealings with unions, which he said could jeopardize industrial harmony.
He further urged Nigerians to unite in overcoming the country’s economic hardships, emphasizing that sustainable development could only be achieved through collective effort. “No external power will save us from economic stagnation. Our resolve and collaboration as citizens will propel our nation forward,” the statement added.
The NLC announced plans to host a national dialogue in Ibadan this January, aimed at fostering collaboration on a new tax framework that supports national development. The union expressed hope for meaningful engagement with social partners, calling on the government to withdraw the current tax bills and include all relevant stakeholders in the process.
“As we embark on a national dialogue, we seek to co-create a tax policy that will not only enjoy widespread acceptance but also drive national development,” the statement read.
The union also urged the government to take social dialogue seriously, pursue pro-human progress policies, and ensure industrial peace in the coming year.
Reaffirming its dedication to advocating for workers’ rights, the NLC stressed that governance must reflect the needs of citizens. “We insist on compliance with the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act from the outset of 2025. Additionally, we will engage the government on wage reviews to safeguard workers’ welfare amid the economic challenges posed by recent policies,” the statement concluded.
The NLC called on all Nigerians to build a collective resolve to tackle the nation’s challenges and drive sustainable development.
