The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to withdraw the proposed tax bills currently before the National Assembly. NLC President Joe Ajaero made this demand in his 2025 New Year message, emphasizing the need for transparency, inclusivity, and dialogue in policy formulation.
In the message titled “In 2025, Hope is in Our Collective Resolve,” Ajaero urged the government to prioritize the welfare of citizens by ensuring access to food, healthcare, education, and housing. He highlighted the importance of governance that reflects honesty and fairness, urging the government to abandon policies that he described as exclusionary or harmful to workers.
“We 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,” Ajaero stated. He proposed a national dialogue in January 2025 to create a tax framework that would foster development and gain widespread acceptance.
The NLC also demanded full compliance with the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act from the start of the year and a wage review to address the economic impact of recent policies. Ajaero emphasized that improved workers’ welfare would lead to higher productivity and stronger economic growth.
Furthermore, he condemned the use of violence against workers and unions, describing it as a threat to industrial harmony. Instead, he called for meaningful social dialogue to resolve disputes and build a more inclusive economy.
The NLC president reiterated the union’s commitment to protecting the rights of workers while collaborating with the government to achieve national development. “Together, through collective effort and determination, we can transform our nation into one of progress, inclusion, and shared prosperity,” he concluded.
The NLC’s demands come amid widespread economic challenges and increasing calls for policies that prioritize the welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens.
