The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the federal government to withdraw the Tax Reform Bills, adding that it should prioritise industrial peace in 2025.
In its New Year message to Nigerians, NLC President Joe Ajaero called the bills controversial, particularly in the north as criticism continues to trail the move.
The union stated the need for all key national stakeholders to be part of the process of passing the bills into law.
“It is on this premise that we once again call on the federal government to withdraw its present tax bills before the National Assembly so that all key national stakeholders will be part of the process.
“As we embark on a national dialogue in Ibadan in January 2025, we want to join hands in co-creating a new national tax law that would enjoy wider acceptance and fulfil its purpose of propelling national development which we believe is the main objective of government.
“As we move into 2025, we urge the federal government to prioritise industrial peace by taking social dialogue seriously, pursuing pro-human progress policies, and respecting agreements with trade unions.
“We insist that governments at all levels must comply with the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act from the very beginning of the year.
“Furthermore, given the economic realities imposed by recent government policies, we shall engage the government for a wage review to safeguard workers’ welfare,” part of the statement reads.