As the Federal Government prepares to roll out its new tax reforms on January 1, 2026, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned that it will oppose any tax framework it considers distorted, falsified, or shaped by political interests.
The labour union stressed that tax laws developed and enacted without the meaningful participation of workers would amount to an unfair and unjust system.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the position known in his Christmas message, urging the government to slow down and ensure that new tax legislation is properly developed through broad stakeholder engagement rather than hurried processes vulnerable to errors and political interference.
According to him, “it is better to patiently craft a law that is broadly co-created and owned than rush into one filled with serious errors and outright political manipulations.”
Ajaero underscored the need for social justice, insisting that every citizen deserves dignity, as well as access to quality healthcare and education.
“Together, in this season and beyond, we must insist on tax justice where the rich pay their fair share and all forms of regressive taxation are removed,” he said.
The NLC leader also called for improved conditions for workers, stressing that labour must be fairly rewarded, workers’ rights upheld, and workplaces made safe and humane.
Beyond labour issues, Ajaero advocated a more secure country where lives and property are protected, and citizens can pursue their lawful livelihoods without fear or intimidation.
While encouraging Nigerians to embrace love during the festive season, he noted that genuine love must begin with confronting the country’s deep-rooted problems.
This, he explained, involves “chasing all forces of darkness; corruption, exploitation, injustice, insecurity and bad governance; out of our country. This is the most credible, sustainable celebration we can undertake.”
He added that such self-love is both purposeful and strategic.
“This self-love is not selfish; it is strategic. It is shown in our determination to build ourselves into a strong, disciplined collective to protect our interests, our wages, our pensions, and our dignity. From this foundation of collective love and strength, we can then let the light of love shine throughout Nigeria,” Ajaero said.
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