Labour Accuses Government Of Policy Exclusion, Calls For Democratic Tax Reform
Political Accountability & Democratic Engagement
NLC Presses Govt For Inclusive Policy, Democratic Integrity in Tax Laws
IN a strong critique delivered during the celebration of labour icon Comrade Hassan Sunmonu’s 85th birthday in Abuja, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Comrade Joe Ajaero accused the federal government of excluding workers from the development and enactment of the new tax laws. Ajaero warned that sidelining labour undermines democratic governance and risks deepening socio-economic instability.
“A policy’s legitimacy stems from engagement with those it most affects,” Ajaero said, arguing that excluding trade unions from the Presidential Committee on Tax and subsequent legislative deliberations was a fundamental error. He pointed to confusion surrounding competing versions of the tax legislation, calling it a “travesty” that erodes confidence in tax administration and democratic processes.
The NLC boss did not stop at critique, urging immediate constitution of the Pension Commission board and transparent clarification of which tax provisions are legally in force. Ajaero warned that continuing “in confusion and darkness” threatens not only economic stability but the foundational credibility of governance.
Highlighting the theme “Organise Don’t Agonise,” he said meaningful engagement with labour is essential for crafting fuel pricing, taxation, and wage policies that foster economic liberation rather than hardship. The NLC also appealed for urgent action on workers’ wages ahead of the 2027 statutory minimum wage negotiations.
