The Nigeria Labour Congress has reiterated its call for the withdrawal of the Tax Reform Bills sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu, urging the inclusion of key national stakeholders in the process.
The Congress also called on all levels of government to prioritise citizens’ welfare in the coming year.
The Tax Reform Bills have faced significant criticism, particularly from the northern region, where they are seen as detrimental to economic growth. In a New Year message to Nigerians, especially workers, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, vowed that organised labour would intensify its push for wage reviews to address the rising cost of living.
The NLC’s New Year message, titled “In 2025, hope is in our collective resolve,” read, “As we step into the year 2025, the Nigeria Labour Congress extends warm New Year greetings to every worker and citizen across our great nation.
“The challenges of survival we have faced as a people must not hold us down. Instead, let us find inner strength to build a collective resolve to drive Nigeria out of the morass of underdevelopment that has held it captive for far too long.
“No external power will deliver us from the scourge of economic hardship and stagnation. It is only through our collective effort and determination that we can propel our nation forward.”
Ajaero emphasised the need for governance that directly benefits citizens, stating, “We call on the government at all levels to ensure that governance translates into real benefits for the people. The welfare of the citizens remains the primary justification for the existence of any government.
“Access to food and nutrition, better healthcare, quality housing, education, transportation and greater security of lives and properties, including the right to participate in decisions on how they are ruled, are the key expectations of the people and workers.
“Policies must, therefore, reflect transparency, honesty, and inclusivity, devoid of chicanery, nepotism, and strong-arm tactics.”
The NLC reiterated its opposition to the current tax reform proposals, stating, “It is on this premise that we once again call on the federal government to withdraw its present tax bills before the National Assembly so that all key national stakeholders will be part of the process.
“As we embark on a national dialogue in Ibadan in January 2025, we want to join hands in co-creating a new national tax law that would enjoy wider acceptance and fulfill its purpose of propelling national development, which we believe is the main objective of government.”
The Congress highlighted the importance of industrial peace, urging the government to respect agreements with trade unions. Ajaero warned against the increasing use of force in labour disputes, saying, “The increasing use of violence in engagements with workers and unions must cease, as it is a recipe for industrial disharmony.
“We insist that governments at all levels must comply with the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act from the very beginning of the year. Furthermore, given the economic realities imposed by recent government policies, we shall engage the government for a wage review to safeguard workers’ welfare.”
Ajaero underscored the importance of fair wages for productivity, stating:
“Our nation will become more productive when the incomes of workers are able to meet at least their basic needs, thus committing more to their work. In this, we believe there ought to be unanimity between us and governments at various levels.
“Let us unite in our resolve to ensure a Nigeria where workers’ welfare, decent work environments, and the security of life and property are prioritized. Together, through collective effort and determination, we can transform our nation into one of progress, inclusion and shared prosperity.”
