Labour Congress warns that disputed tax reforms threaten public trust, vows resistance against policies that deepen economic hardship
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on Nigerians to resist what it described as distorted and allegedly falsified tax laws, warning that such practices erode public confidence and undermine democratic governance.
In his 2025 Christmas message, NLC President Joe Ajaero stressed that fiscal policies must be rooted in fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, insisting that any tax framework perceived to have been manipulated should be rejected outright.
Ajaero argued that genuine tax reform must prioritise tax justice, ensuring that the wealthy contribute their fair share while regressive taxation that disproportionately burdens ordinary citizens is eliminated.
“Any tax system that is mired in apparent distortion and outright forgery is unacceptable and should therefore be rejected by all,” he said.
He further called for stronger social protections, noting that Nigerians deserve access to quality healthcare, education, and security, while workers’ rights and welfare are adequately protected.
According to the labour leader, sustainable economic reform cannot be achieved through hurried legislation influenced by political interests. Instead, he said laws must be carefully developed through open, participatory processes that encourage national ownership.
“It is better to patiently craft a law that is broadly accepted and owned than to rush into legislation riddled with errors and political manipulations,” Ajaero added.
The NLC president urged citizens to remain united in demanding accountable governance and reaffirmed the Congress’ readiness to mobilise workers against policies that worsen living conditions.
His remarks come amid growing controversy over Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reforms. A member of the House of Representatives, Abdulsamad Dasuki, recently raised alarm over what he described as significant discrepancies between tax bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions later gazetted and released to the public.
Dasuki claimed that the differences amount to a violation of lawmakers’ constitutional roles, arguing that the final documents do not reflect what was debated and approved on the floor of the House.
President Bola Tinubu had on June 26, 2025, signed four major tax reform bills into law. The legislations, the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act are collectively referred to as the Nigerian Tax Reform Acts.
The reforms are designed to modernise the country’s tax system, expand the tax base, and improve efficiency. Key among them is the replacement of the Federal Inland Revenue Service with the Nigeria Revenue Service, which is vested with broader oversight and enforcement powers.
However, the reforms have continued to face resistance, with critics alleging that the executive altered the laws after legislative approval. In response, the House of Representatives has constituted an investigative committee to probe the forgery claims.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations and several state governors have also voiced concerns, warning that the new tax regime could worsen economic hardship and disrupt existing revenue-sharing arrangements.
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