The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the federal government to withdraw the four proposed tax bills currently before the National Assembly, emphasizing the need for broader consultation and inclusivity in shaping national fiscal policies.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier, on October 3, 2024, asked the National Assembly to consider and pass the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
In his New Year message, NLC President Joe Ajaero stressed that overcoming Nigeria’s economic challenges requires collective effort, transparency, and honest governance. He urged all levels of government to ensure that policies deliver tangible benefits to citizens, including access to food, quality healthcare, housing, education, transportation, and security.
“The welfare of citizens remains the primary justification for the existence of any government,” Ajaero stated. He emphasized the importance of social dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes, calling on the government to withdraw the tax bills and involve key national stakeholders in drafting a widely accepted tax framework.
Ajaero announced a National Dialogue scheduled for January 2025 in Ibadan, where stakeholders will collaborate on a new tax law aimed at driving sustainable national development.
He also called on the government to prioritize industrial peace, respect agreements with trade unions, and ensure compliance with the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
Acknowledging the economic hardships caused by recent government policies, Ajaero signaled the NLC’s intent to push for a wage review to protect workers’ welfare.
Meanwhile, some northern stakeholders have criticized the proposed tax bills, labeling them as biased against northern interests while favoring the southern regions.
The coming months are expected to witness intensified dialogue between the government, labor unions, and regional stakeholders as the debate over the tax bills continues.
