The Nigeria Labour Congress has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, declaring its outright rejection of the new tax reforms scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. The labour centre describes the proposed system as distorted, falsified, and fundamentally unjust.
NLC Demands Inclusive Process, Warns of Worker Resistance
In a firm statement, the Congress cautioned that Nigerian workers would actively resist any tax laws formulated and passed without their involvement. The NLC emphasized that a tax framework which fails to carry workers along in its creation is inherently unfair and risks worsening social inequality and tension in the country.
Speaking on the impending reforms, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, advised the government against hastily implementing tax laws allegedly filled with errors and political manipulation. He called for a more transparent, consultative, and inclusive approach to crafting national tax policy.
Ajaero's Call for Social Justice and Fair Taxation
Ajaero argued that it is preferable for the government to patiently develop tax laws that are co-created and widely accepted by all stakeholders. Rushing through flawed reforms, he warned, could severely undermine public trust in the system.
He firmly stated that "any tax system that does not include workers in its formulation and passage into law remains an unjust tax." For Ajaero, taxation must be firmly anchored on the principles of social justice, ensuring citizens' dignity, access to quality healthcare and education, and an equitable economic environment.
The NLC President passionately called for tax justice, insisting that the tax burden must be distributed fairly. This requires the wealthy to pay their fair share and the elimination of all forms of regressive taxation that disproportionately affect the poor and working class.
Beyond Taxes: A Broader Call for Equity and Security
Ajaero's demands extended beyond fiscal policy. He stressed the urgent need for greater equity for workers, including fair wages, respect for labour rights, and safe working conditions. He also highlighted the critical importance of national security, asserting that every Nigerian must be able to carry out their lawful activities without fear or intimidation.
Furthermore, the labour leader urged citizens to embrace a collective sense of 'self-love' as a strategic responsibility. He linked genuine national progress to the collective will to confront corruption, exploitation, injustice, insecurity, and poor governance.
"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," Ajaero explained.
He concluded that only through such a united resolve can Nigeria build a society where justice, equity, and shared prosperity are the norm for all its citizens.
