NLC Demands Withdrawal of Proposed Tax Bills for Inclusive National Dialogue

By Jemimah Wellingtn, JKNewsMedia Reporter 

THE PROPOSED tax reform bills before the National Assembly have sparked widespread debate, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) urging the federal government to withdraw them.

The NLC argues that the laws, including the Nigeria Tax Bill and the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, lack input from key national stakeholders.

President Bola Tinubu had requested the National Assembly to consider and pass four tax reform bills on October 3.

However, NLC President Joe Ajaero, in his New Year address, emphasised that inclusive governance and social dialogue are critical for national development.

He stressed that tax policies must be transparent and reflect the interests of all regions and classes, avoiding nepotism or heavy-handedness.

Ajaero called on the government to prioritise industrial peace, honour agreements with trade unions, and comply with the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

He further announced plans for a National Dialogue in Ibadan this January to co-create a tax law that fosters development and ensures equity.

Earlier, some northern stakeholders have condemned the tax bills as divisive, arguing they disproportionately favour the south over the north.