The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to halt the implementation of newly-enacted tax laws until a comprehensive nationwide enlightenment campaign is conducted, saying workers were not consulted during the legislation’s formulation.
In an interview with Arise Television, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah said that organised labour — despite representing Nigeria’s largest group of taxpayers — was excluded from discussions leading up to the passage and signing of the tax reforms.
Upah argued that the failure to involve labour in the process has triggered resistance not only among workers but across the wider public. He described the situation as problematic, saying:
“There must be a massive enlightenment campaign that allows our members to understand and participate. Until that happens, these laws should not be implemented.”
He warned that enforcing the laws without adequate public understanding could spur further opposition:
“Anything we do not subscribe to will face resistance — not just from organised labour, but from Nigerians in general.”
Upah also challenged claims by the government that individuals earning below ₦1 million annually are exempt from the new tax regime, arguing that, given current minimum wage levels, most formal-sector workers would still be affected.
The NLC representative stressed that it had formally requested inclusion in the tax reform process when the relevant committee was being constituted — a request, he said, that went unanswered. Since the laws were signed, Upah noted, there has been no significant public awareness drive to educate workers on the changes.
The NLC’s call comes amid broader debate over the reforms, with legal and civil society groups also urging clarity and possible suspension of implementation ahead of the January 1, 2026 deadline
