The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the suspension of the tax bill currently before the National Assembly, emphasizing the need for more inclusive consultations with Nigerian workers.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, alongside General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, highlighted the deepening crisis during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Owerri.
The union criticized the politicization of the bill, stating that it failed to account for the concerns of essential stakeholders, diminishing its potential to effectively boost the economy.
“Only through inclusive dialogue can we ensure a just and equitable tax system that benefits all citizens,” Ajaero said.
The union also urged the Federal Government to urgently address the ongoing cash scarcity that has plagued the country, urging swift action to alleviate the economic burden on citizens.
Ajaero expressed the NEC’s deep concern over the persistent scarcity, which he described as an “exploitative burden” on the already struggling population.
He noted that Nigerians are losing up to five percent of their funds every time they withdraw cash, an unsustainable situation that worsens the financial struggles of millions.
The NLC president called for immediate intervention from the government and urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take effective steps to ensure the availability of cash for everyday transactions, particularly to support small businesses and stimulate economic activity.
“The impact of this on small businesses and other informal economy operatives is huge, as the situation poses serious disproportionate challenges to the poor and struggling workers and masses.
“The NLC demands immediate government intervention to rectify this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights.
“We expect the Central Bank Governor to take steps to ensure that cash is made available to the citizenry to enable small business transactions and stimulate economic growth,” he said.
The NEC also voiced grave concerns about the rising insecurity in Nigeria, citing troubling reports that Nigerians paid over N2.23 trillion in ransom this year alone due to the increasing frequency of crime incidents.
Ajaero stressed the need for urgent government action to restore security, protect citizens, and ensure that the rule of law prevails.
“This appalling state of insecurity underscores the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and ensure the rule of law prevails.
“The majority of the citizens who either lost their lives or are maimed as a result are workers,” he said.
Furthermore, the NLC condemned the recent invasion of the NLC Edo State Council Secretariat by police and the state governor.
Ajaero described the invasion as a flagrant violation of workers’ rights, including the unlawful removal of items and an attempt to impose an illegitimate leadership.
The NEC has given the Edo State government and the police a deadline of 14 working days, until January 8, 2025, to vacate the premises, return all confiscated items, and halt any further interference in union activities.
“This brazen act of impunity included the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items, all in a bid to impose an illegitimate leadership on the workers.
“The NEC, therefore, resolved to give the Edo State government and the police a deadline of 14 working days, up to January 8, 2025, to vacate the secretariat.
“They should return all confiscated properties to Congress and commit to refraining from further interference in trade union activities,” he said.
Ajaero warned that failure to comply would lead to significant actions by the NLC to defend the rights of workers.
“The NEC, therefore, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers and the broader Nigerian populace,” Ajaero said.
He concluded by encouraging Nigerians to remain hopeful and united during the festive season, despite the numerous challenges facing the country.
