‎The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that the combined effects of heavy taxation, low wages and rising national debt pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic and democratic stability.
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‎The NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, made the assertion in Abuja on Wednesday while speaking at the book launch and 85th birthday celebration of a former NLC President, Mr Hassan Summonu.
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‎Ajaero urged the Federal Government to urgently reconsider the newly introduced tax laws and re-engage organised labour and other critical stakeholders in policy formulation.
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‎He accused the government of excluding workers and the poor from key policy decisions that directly affect their livelihoods, particularly in the area of taxation.
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‎According to him, the process that produced the new tax laws deliberately sidelined Nigerian workers, who constitute the bulk of taxpayers in the country.
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‎“The tax laws went through a process that clearly excluded Nigerian workers and the masses. From the Presidential Committee on Tax, workers were deliberately excluded, and we warned of the dangers,” he said.
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‎Ajaero described the new tax regime as regressive, arguing that any tax policy that places additional burdens on people already living in extreme poverty is unjust.
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‎“A tax that taxes the national minimum wage is not fair. A tax that imposes heavy burdens on people living in excruciating poverty is regressive,” he said.
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‎The NLC president also raised concerns about public borrowing, questioning the utilisation of funds borrowed by the Federal Government and its impact on the future of the country.
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‎He stressed that government policies on fuel pricing, taxation, wages and social services should be formulated through inclusive engagement with representatives of workers and the masses.
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‎Ajaero called on the Federal Government to pause the implementation of the contentious tax laws, rethink them and redirect policy in a manner that protects workers and strengthens democratic institutions.
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‎He further urged the government to immediately and fully constitute the Board of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and address public concerns surrounding the tax laws.

‎According to him, insisting on implementing disputed policies amid widespread confusion undermines public trust, weakens tax administration and threatens national stability.
‎Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to organising and advocating for workers’ rights, saying the congress would continue to challenge policies that deepen poverty, insecurity and economic hardship in the country.