The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government to withdraw the four tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, emphasizing the need for broader stakeholder involvement in the legislative process.
In a New Year message to Nigerians on Monday, Joe Ajaero, NLC President, stated that the proposed tax bills must reflect inclusivity and transparency to gain nationwide acceptance and meet the country’s development objectives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu forwarded the tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration on October 3.
These include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
Ajaero highlighted the importance of collective effort and determination in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“It is on this premise that we once again call on the federal government to withdraw its present Tax Bill before the National Assembly so that all key national stakeholders will be part of the process,” the NLC president said.
He also announced that the NLC would participate in a National Dialogue in Ibadan in January 2025, aimed at creating a new national tax framework that would garner wider acceptance and achieve its goal of fostering national development.
The NLC president underscored the need for government policies to prioritize the welfare of citizens, reflecting transparency and honesty while avoiding nepotism and heavy-handed approaches.
“The welfare of the citizens remains the primary justification for the existence of any government,” he said. “Access to food and nutrition, better healthcare, quality housing, education, transportation, and greater security of lives and properties, including the right to participate in decisions on how they are ruled, are the key expectations of the people and workers.”
Ajaero also urged the federal government to prioritize industrial peace by respecting agreements with trade unions, adopting pro-human-progress policies, and taking social dialogue seriously.
The NLC leader further stressed the importance of implementing the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act at all levels of government from the start of the year.
“Given the economic realities imposed by recent government policies, we shall engage the government for a wage review to safeguard workers’ welfare,” he added.
“Our nation will become more productive when the incomes of workers are able to meet at least their basic needs, thus committing more to their work. In this, we believe there ought to be unanimity between us and governments at various levels.
“We look forward to fruitful engagement on this with our social partners as we move into 2025.”
