The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has accused the Federal Government of imposing a tax regime that further burdens Nigerian workers.
The union said the government is making desperate efforts to suffocate workers economically, adding that it would tax the air people breathe if possible.
Head of Information of the NLC, Benson Upah, made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television.
Upah criticised the newly introduced tax system, describing it as anti-worker and poorly communicated.
No Consultation With Labour
According to him, the government failed to consult organised labour before introducing the new tax laws.
“Consultative engagement is central to good governance. Once it is absent, disagreement becomes inevitable,” Upah said.
He added that labour wrote to the government when the tax committee was being set up but received no response.
Upah said no serious effort had been made to educate workers on the new tax laws or their implications.
Workers to Lose More Income
The NLC spokesman disputed claims that workers earning below ₦1 million would be exempted from taxation.
He argued that, based on the current national minimum wage structure, most formal sector workers earn above that threshold.
Upah said allowances that were previously untaxed would now attract deductions, worsening workers’ financial strain.
“The only thing they have not taxed yet is the oxygen we breathe and the carbon dioxide we exhale,” he said.
Call for Dialogue, Not Pressure
Upah urged the government to reopen dialogue with labour through back-channel communication.
He stressed that lower taxes and efficient collection methods would encourage voluntary compliance among citizens.
“When taxes are reasonable and collection is transparent, people will comply willingly,” he added.
The NLC has continued to oppose the tax reforms, insisting they place excessive pressure on already struggling Nigerians.
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