Tinubu’s tax reform agenda under fire as NLC calls for suspension
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the National Assembly to pause discussions on the current tax bill and engage in deeper consultations with workers in the country.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja expressed their concerns during the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Owerri. They criticized the bill for ignoring critical stakeholders and failing to provide any clear economic benefits. Ajaero emphasized that a fair tax system can only come through open and inclusive dialogue.
The NLC also called on the Federal Government to resolve the ongoing cash shortage, which has created significant hardships for Nigerians. Ajaero described this situation as an “unfair burden” on people who are already struggling. He highlighted that citizens lose up to 5% of their money with each cash withdrawal. The union demanded immediate action from the government and urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure cash is available to support small businesses and stimulate economic growth.
“The lack of cash is severely affecting small businesses and informal workers, disproportionately harming the poor and struggling masses,” Ajaero said.
The union also raised alarm over the increasing insecurity in the country, revealing that over ₦2.23 trillion was paid in ransom this year due to rising criminal activities. Ajaero called for urgent government action to restore security, protect citizens, and enforce the rule of law, stressing that many of the victims of these crimes were workers.
In another development, the NLC condemned the recent police raid on its Edo State Council Secretariat, which they claimed was instigated by the state governor. Ajaero called the incident a severe violation of workers’ rights, citing the illegal removal of property and efforts to impose unauthorized leadership.
The NEC has issued a 14-working-day deadline, ending on January 8, 2025, for the Edo State government and police to withdraw from the premises, return all seized items, and stop interfering in union activities. Failure to comply, Ajaero warned, would lead to significant actions by the NLC to defend workers’ rights.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Ajaero encouraged Nigerians to stay hopeful and united during the festive season.
