NLC Urges FG to Withdraw Tax Bills From National Assembly

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) calls on the federal government to retract its proposed tax reform bills from the National Assembly, citing concerns over the impact on workers.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded that the Federal Government retract the contentious tax bills currently before the National Assembly.

In his New Year message to Nigerians, particularly the workers, the NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized that withdrawing the bills was necessary for safeguarding the welfare of Nigerian workers.

He also emphasized the importance of government demonstrating transparency, inclusivity, and honesty in its interactions with the public.

The message, “In 2025, hope lies in our collective resolve,” said: “As we enter the year 2025, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) sends heartfelt New Year wishes to every worker and citizen throughout our great nation.

The obstacles we’ve encountered as a people should not defeat us. Rather, let’s draw on our inner strength to unite and propel Nigeria out of the underdevelopment that has constrained it for so long.

No outside force will rescue us from economic hardship and stagnation. Only through our collective effort and determination can we drive our nation forward.

We need to cultivate inner strength to achieve a shared determination throughout our entire nation. This is our civic duty, and we must approach it with steadfast resolve.

We urge the government at every level to ensure that their governance genuinely benefits the people. The well-being of citizens is, after all, the fundamental reason for any government’s existence.

The primary expectations of the people and workers include access to food and nutrition, improved healthcare, quality housing, education, transportation, enhanced security for lives and properties, as well as the right to participate in decision-making regarding governance.

Policies should embody transparency, honesty, and inclusivity while being free from deceit, favoritism, and coercive methods.

To establish a successful democratic nation, we must develop a framework grounded in the principles of social dialogue. This approach should enable crucial stakeholders to actively engage in the process of nation-building. By embracing such inclusivity, there will be greater ownership and involvement with government policies, leading to enhanced stability and sustainability.

Based on this rationale, we urge the federal government to retract its current tax proposals from the National Assembly. This will allow all major national stakeholders to participate in the process.

As we initiate a national dialogue in Ibadan in January 2025, our aim is to collaboratively create a new tax law that will gain broad acceptance and effectively propel national development—an objective we believe is central to the government’s mission.

As we head into 2025, we strongly encourage the federal government to prioritize industrial harmony by genuinely engaging in social dialogue, implementing policies that promote human progress, and honoring agreements with trade unions.

Violence in interactions with workers and unions is on the rise and must be stopped, as it leads to industrial discord. As a pan-people organization, we trade unions are dedicated partners in progress, working towards Nigeria’s development while safeguarding the rights of both workers and citizens.

We hold a significant stake in our nation and are deeply concerned about its governance, driving us to ensure that government policies provide the best outcomes. Consequently, while we encourage the government to govern effectively, it must recognize that we have an obligation to our members which cannot be ignored.

We firmly demand that all levels of government adhere to the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act starting at the beginning of the year. Additionally, in light of current economic conditions stemming from recent governmental policies, we will actively engage with authorities to negotiate a wage review aimed at protecting workers’ welfare.

Our nation’s productivity will increase when workers’ incomes are sufficient to cover their basic needs, allowing them to dedicate more effort to their jobs. There should be a consensus between us and governments at all levels on this matter. We anticipate productive collaboration with our social partners as we progress into 2025.

Let’s come together with a shared commitment to make Nigeria a place where workers’ welfare, safe work environments, and the security of life and property are top priorities. By working collectively with determination, we can transform our nation into one characterized by progress, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.