NLC Warns Against ‘Manipulated’ Tax Laws, Calls for Unity, Justice at Christmas
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned Nigerians against accepting any tax legislation that is poorly crafted or deliberately altered to serve narrow political interests, stressing that fiscal policies must be inclusive, fair, and transparent.
The labour union said laws that directly affect workers and the wider population should not be rushed, warning that errors and manipulations in such policies could worsen hardship for the majority of citizens.
In a Christmas and end-of-year message titled “Our hope lies in collective action”, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, urged workers and Nigerians at large to remain vigilant and united in defending their wages, pensions, rights, and dignity.
According to Ajaero, true national development can only be achieved when social and tax justice are prioritized, noting that every citizen deserves access to quality healthcare, education, and security, while workers are fairly rewarded for their labour.
He argued that patient and inclusive lawmaking is far better than hurried legislation that may be riddled with flaws or political motives, adding that justice, equity, and safety must form the foundation of governance in the country.
The NLC president further stressed that the strength of Nigerian workers lies in unity, calling on citizens to collectively resist policies that impose suffering or exploit the people.
He warned against allowing divisions along tribal, religious, or regional lines to weaken the collective voice of workers.
Ajaero encouraged labour unions and workers to begin organizing from the grassroots, saying a strong, coordinated movement is necessary to influence the nation’s future and protect the interests of the masses.
Reflecting on the Christmas season, the NLC acknowledged the severe economic difficulties facing many Nigerians, describing current living conditions for millions as extremely challenging.
The union noted that harsh economic realities and policies that deepen hardship have made survival increasingly difficult for workers and citizens alike.
Despite these challenges, the Congress said the message of Christmas remains one of hope, resilience, and renewal, emphasizing that hardship should not extinguish the belief in a better future.
The NLC maintained that national recovery would not come through passive hope but through deliberate collective action, driven by the unity of workers across sectors, including farmers, traders, teachers, healthcare workers, and artisans.
As Nigerians celebrate the festive season, the Congress called for renewed commitment to solidarity, urging citizens to stand together as a united force committed to building an egalitarian nation that serves the interests of the majority rather than a privileged few.
The labour body concluded by reminding Nigerians that unity remains the most powerful tool against oppression, insisting that a collective, organized people can overcome hardship and reclaim the country’s promise.
