KEY POINTS

• NLC wants tax reform bills withdrawn for wider stakeholder input.
• Union request for compliance with the 2024 minimum wage Act and pay review.
• There could be national dialogue in January 2025 on tax framework and development.

President Bola Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reform Bills submitted to the National Assembly should be withdrawn, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) urges the Nigerian government.

The National Labour Congress (NLC) in its new year message released on Tuesday, urged for a more inclusive process, inclusive of key stakeholders in its new year message released on Tuesday, to steer the births of a transparent and widely acknowledged national tax policy.

According to NLC President Joe Ajaero, the bills are controversial and capable of limiting economic growth especially in the northern regions. On the rising costs of living, he said there is a need for collaboration between the two sectors to ensure citizen welfare.

Worker welfare and wage review

In another statement, the National Leadership Council (NLC) said in a statement entitled “In 2025, hope is in our collective resolve,” it remains resolute to get upward wage review for the workers to counter economic challenges.

The workers’ umbrella union urged compliance with the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act and fair adjustments to wages, in the wake of recent government policies.

Ajaero also condemned the use of force by the government in handling unions, adding that such a move was capable of throwing industrial harmony haywire. He said that ‘meaningful social dialogue and respect for agreements are important to maintaining peace in the labour sector.’

Tax Framework plans

Lagos to host a national dialogue with NLC in Ibadan over new tax framework January 2025. The intent of this policy is to make a national development oriented policy, as well as responding to some of the stakeholders’ concerns.

In a statement the Pan African Farmers Organisation said, the government must withdraw the current tax bills and work with stakeholders in its draft bill to create a more inclusive law that promotes the national development.

The NLC also asked the government to make policy that would facilitate ease of access to essential services, like food security, healthcare, housing, and education, a higher priority.

In the same vein, it further reiterates its commitment to champion the cause of workers’ rights, and urged workers to unite and work collectively for the sustainable development of Nigeria.