- Labour union stresses need for pro-people policies in 2025
- NLC vows to negotiate better wages, ensure compliance with minimum wage laws
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the federal government to withdraw the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly, calling for a more inclusive process that engages key national stakeholders.
In its New Year message titled ‘In 2025, Hope is in Our Collective Resolve,’ NLC President Joe Ajaero highlighted the union’s concerns over the controversial bills, particularly their perceived adverse impact on economic growth in northern Nigeria. He emphasized that a comprehensive national tax policy requires collaboration across all sectors to ensure transparency, fairness, and acceptance.
Ajaero also outlined the union’s broader demands for 2025, urging the government to focus on policies that address critical areas such as food security, healthcare, education, housing, transportation, and security. He reiterated the NLC’s commitment to negotiating an upward wage review to cushion workers against economic hardships.
“We insist that governments at all levels must comply with the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act from the start of the year,” Ajaero stated. “Given the economic realities imposed by recent government policies, we will engage the government for a wage review to safeguard workers’ welfare.”
The union also criticized the growing use of force in dealings with trade unions, warning that such actions could jeopardize industrial peace. “We call on the government to prioritize meaningful social dialogue and uphold agreements with unions to ensure harmony in the labour sector,” the statement read.
The NLC revealed plans to host a national dialogue in Ibadan this January, aimed at co-creating a new tax framework that supports national development. The union expressed optimism that this collaborative effort would lead to a tax system that enjoys broader acceptance and promotes economic growth.
“As we move into 2025, the NLC reaffirms its commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, ensuring governance reflects citizen needs, and fostering unity to propel Nigeria toward sustainable development,” the statement concluded.
The NLC’s call for action underscores its resolve to protect the interests of Nigerian workers while urging the government to adopt policies that prioritize the welfare of its citizens.
