The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has launched a strong critique against the Federal Government's recently enacted tax legislation, labeling it as unfair and a danger to the nation's working poor.
A Call for Urgent Review
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, 7th January 2026, Ajaero demanded an immediate suspension and comprehensive review of the law. He made these remarks during the unveiling of the memoir of former NLC President, Hassan Summonu, who was celebrating his 85th birthday.
The labour leader asserted that the process leading to the tax reform was fundamentally flawed, as it deliberately excluded the input of Nigerian workers and the masses, who constitute the country's primary taxpayer base. "From the Presidential Committee on Tax, which Nigerian workers were deliberately excluded from, we knew that the workers and masses were going to be on the menu," Ajaero stated.
Why the Tax Law is Regressive
Ajaero argued that the core injustice of the law lies in its impact on the most vulnerable citizens. He emphasized that imposing taxes on those earning the national minimum wage is neither equitable nor progressive. "Tax that taxes the national minimum wage is not fair. Tax that taxes the masses who are living in excruciating poverty is regressive," he declared.
He warned that the outcome of this exclusionary process is now clear: legislation designed to make workers and the poor even poorer. "We warned of the dangers, but no one listened. Today, the result is clear," he lamented.
Broader Implications for Democracy and Trust
The NLC President issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of persisting with the current law. He cautioned that its continued implementation risks severely damaging public trust in governance and the tax system itself.
"Insisting on going ahead is akin to muddling along in confusion and darkness... Continuing with this is a dangerous pattern that seriously undermines the tax administration itself and indeed our democracy," Ajaero explained.
He called for a more inclusive approach from the government, urging it to move from "agonising the people to organising with them." Ajaero also highlighted other critical issues requiring government attention, including:
- The urgent constitution of the PENCOM Board.
- Addressing workers' wages ahead of the next national minimum wage negotiations.
Ajaero pledged that the NLC would continue its advocacy, fighting for a Nigeria where workers are not burdened by poverty, insecurity, excessive taxation, or a future mortgaged by national debt.
The NLC's strong opposition adds to a growing chorus of voices, including opposition figures and other labour groups, calling for the law's suspension. Critics argue the policy could worsen the current economic hardship and potentially trigger social unrest.
