Labour Threatens Nationwide Action, Demands Suspension of New Tax Laws

Labour Threatens Nationwide Action, Demands Suspension of New Tax Laws

Organised labour has renewed its call on the Federal Government to immediately suspend the implementation of the new tax laws, warning of a possible nationwide confrontation with workers if its concerns are ignored.

The warning was issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, during the launch of a memoir in honour of former NLC President Hassan Summonu, held to mark his 85th birthday.

Ajaero accused the government of drafting and implementing the tax reform laws without consulting workers in both the public and private sectors, despite them being the country’s largest taxpayers. He described the laws as regressive, arguing that they impose additional hardship on low-income earners already battling economic pressures.

“From the Presidential Committee on Tax to the legislative process, Nigerian workers were deliberately excluded. We warned the nation, but no one listened,” Ajaero said, adding that the outcome was a set of laws that deepened hardship for workers and the poor.

He stressed that, “Any tax law that taxes people living in extreme poverty cannot be described as fair or progressive,” and urged the government to pause, review and redirect the tax reform process.

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According to him, credible tax policies should strengthen institutions and promote equity rather than undermine social welfare.

Also speaking at the event, the Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, challenged labour leaders to go beyond complaints and actively confront policies they consider unjust.

The former NLC President said persistent grumbling would not bring change, insisting that only firm action and engagement could compel the government to listen to labour’s demands.

Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said his decision to reform organised labour during his administration was motivated by the need to establish an independent and nationally controlled labour movement.

Obasanjo noted that although he was not a labour expert, his overriding concern was to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and independence. He said the reforms helped improve government–labour relations while preserving the autonomy of trade unions.

He also commended Hassan Summonu for strengthening labour leadership in Nigeria and expanding its influence across Africa and the global stage.

Labour Threatens Nationwide Action, Demands Suspension of New Tax Laws