The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend the implementation of newly enacted tax laws, citing the failure to consult Nigerian workers and organised labour during the legislative process.
The NLC made the demand amid growing public criticism and resistance surrounding the tax reforms, which were recently passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President.
Speaking on the issue, NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, said Nigerian workers who constitute the largest tax-paying demographic in the country were completely excluded from the consultations that culminated in the passage of the laws.
According to him, this omission has significantly contributed to the widespread opposition now trailing the reforms.
Upah stressed that the absence of structured engagement with organised labour undermines public trust and acceptance of the tax regime.
“We intend to make a push that despite the fact that we were not taken on board in the process of putting this law together, something should be done,” he said.
He argued that before any enforcement begins, the government must embark on a comprehensive enlightenment and sensitisation campaign to properly educate workers and the wider public on the scope, implications and benefits of the new tax laws.
“A massive enlightenment campaign should be put in place for our members to participate, and until that is done, these laws should not be implemented,” Upah stated.
According to the NLC, proceeding with implementation without stakeholder buy-in could trigger resistance not only from organised labour but from Nigerians across board, given the direct economic impact of taxation on households and businesses.
Upah warned that the consequences of imposing laws perceived as exclusionary would be unavoidable, noting that organised labour has both the capacity and structure to respond if the government fails to act responsibly.
“Because the consequential effects would be quite obvious. That which we do not subscribe to will meet a form of resistance from us, but not just us; it is the Nigerians,” he said.
“We in organised labour are capable of expressing our feelings if the government speedily moves to do the needful.”
The NLC’s position adds to the mounting pressure on the Federal Government following recent moves by the National Assembly to order the re-gazetting of controversial tax laws amid allegations of discrepancies and inadequate public engagement.
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