NLC urges mass rejection of ‘distorted’ tax law

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on Nigerians to totally reject any tax law it described as “distorted or falsified,” warning that flawed fiscal policies could further worsen the hardship faced by workers and the masses.

The labour centre stressed that laws affecting workers must be carefully and transparently crafted, insisting that rushed or manipulated legislation could inflict serious damage on the economy and citizens’ welfare.

In a statement titled “Our Hope Lies in Collective Action,” NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said it was better to patiently design tax laws that are inclusive and widely accepted than impose laws riddled with errors and political interests.

“It is better to patiently craft a law that is broadly co-created and owned than rush into one filled with serious errors and outright political manipulations,” Ajaero said.

The NLC boss called for social and tax justice, noting that Nigerians deserve access to quality healthcare, education, and security, while workers’ rights, wages, and pensions must be protected.

He further urged workers and citizens to unite and resist policies that deepen suffering, cautioning against divisions along ethnic, religious, or regional lines.

According to him, the strength of workers lies in unity and collective action, adding that Nigerians must mobilise from their communities to build a strong movement capable of shaping the nation’s future.

“Our hope of a revival is not passive and it is not a mere wish. It is built on a concrete foundation: our collective power and the action that it can potentiate,” the statement read.

Speaking specifically on the Christmas season, the NLC extended solidarity greetings to Nigerian workers, acknowledging the severe economic hardship facing many families.

The labour body noted that despite the bleak situation caused by harsh policies and rising living costs, the festive season should serve as a reminder that hope can still emerge from hardship.

“We are the many; the workers, farmers, traders, teachers, nurses, and builders of our nation. Our hope rests on our capacity to unite, organise, and deploy our numbers as a force for national rescue,” the NLC stated.