The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to resist any tax system it says marginalises workers ahead of the Federal Government’s planned implementation of new tax reforms on January 1, 2026.
The labour union said workers would reject any tax framework that is “distorted, falsified, and unjust,” particularly reforms formulated and passed without their participation. It warned that excluding workers from the process risks deepening inequality and fuelling social tension.
Speaking on the proposed reforms, NLC president Joe Ajaero cautioned the Federal Government against rushing into the implementation of tax laws allegedly riddled with errors and political manipulation. He urged authorities to adopt a more inclusive, transparent and consultative approach that carries workers along.
According to Ajaero, tax policies that are not co-created with key stakeholders, especially organised labour, undermine public trust and place an unfair burden on workers. He stressed that taxation must be rooted in social justice and aligned with citizens’ rights to dignity, quality healthcare, education and an equitable economic system.
“Any tax system that does not include workers in its formulation and passage into law remains an unjust tax,” Ajaero said.
The NLC president also called for tax justice, insisting that the burden of taxation must be fairly distributed. He said the wealthy must pay their fair share while all forms of regressive taxation that disproportionately affect workers and low-income earners should be eliminated.
Beyond taxation, Ajaero highlighted broader concerns affecting workers, including the need for fair wages, respect for labour rights and safe working conditions. He also linked economic justice to national security, noting that workers must be able to carry out their lawful activities without fear or intimidation.
He urged workers and citizens to adopt what he described as a collective sense of responsibility in confronting corruption, exploitation, insecurity and poor governance, stressing that organised labour would continue to defend workers’ wages, pensions and dignity.
According to him, only through collective resolve can Nigeria build a system that delivers justice, equity and shared prosperity for workers and the wider society.
