NLC Demands Withdrawal of Controversial Tax Reform Bills

Tax Reform Bills Under Fire: Why NLC Insists on Repeal

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the withdrawal of the Tax Reform Bills submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly, advocating for a more inclusive process involving key national stakeholders.

In a New Year message, NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized the need for government policies to be transparent, honest, and inclusive, free from nepotism and coercion.

He stated that the welfare of citizens remains the primary justification for the existence of any government, highlighting the importance of access to food, healthcare, housing, education, transportation, and security.

The NLC has expressed concerns over its exclusion from the formulation process of the Tax Reform Bills, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of the principles of tax justice.

The union insists that discussions on taxation should not exclude those who bear the brunt of the tax burden and demands that the bills be halted for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers.

To address these concerns, the NLC plans to convene a national dialogue on the state of the nation this month in Ibadan, Oyo State, to brainstorm on the new national tax reform bills. The union aims to co-create a new national tax law that would enjoy wider acceptance and fulfill its purpose of propelling national development.

Additionally, the NLC has indicated its intention to engage the federal government in discussions for a wage review to safeguard workers’ welfare, given the economic realities imposed by recent government policies.

The union emphasizes that governments at all levels must comply with the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act from the beginning of the year.