NLC Demands Better Deal For Workers, Kicks Against Tax Reform Bills

Joe Ajaero, NLC President
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has again kicked against the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.
The labour union said the bills should be withdrawn to give room for wider consultations and inputs of all stakeholders.
In its New Year message to Nigerians, the NLC said government policies must be transparent, honest, and inclusive, devoid of chicanery, nepotism, and strong-arm tactics.
The NLC said in creating a thriving, democratic nation, “we need a system built on the tenets of social dialogue, allowing critical stakeholders to participate actively in nation-building.
“Such inclusiveness will foster deeper ownership of government policies, ensuring stability and sustainability.
“It is on this premise that we once again call on the federal government to withdraw its present tax bills before the National Assembly so that all key national stakeholders will be part of the process.
“As we embark on a national dialogue in Ibadan in January 2025, we want to join hands in co-creating a new national tax law that would enjoy wider acceptance and fulfill its purpose of propelling national development which we believe is the main objective of government.”
It urged Nigerians not to allow the current challenges to weigh them down.
“No external power will deliver us from the scourge of economic hardship and stagnation. It is only through our collective effort and determination that we can propel our nation forward.
“We must build inner strength to find this collective resolve across the length and breadth of our great nation. This is our civic responsibility—one we must embrace with unwavering determination.”
The union, however, said governance must be translated into real benefits for the people.
“The welfare of the citizens remains the primary justification for the existence of any government.
“Policies must, therefore, reflect transparency, honesty, and inclusivity, devoid of chicanery, nepotism, and strong-arm tactics.”
The NLC also said government must prioritise industrial peace in 2025 by taking social dialogue seriously, and pursuing pro-human-progress policies and respecting agreements with trade unions.
“While we therefore urge government to govern well it must understand that we are responsible to our members and this we cannot shirk.
“We insist that governments at all levels must comply with the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act from the very beginning of the year. Furthermore, given the economic realities imposed by recent government policies, we shall engage the government for a wage review to safeguard workers’ welfare.
“Our nation will become more productive when the incomes of workers are able to meet at least their basic needs,” the NLC argued.