By BANNERNEWS Reporter
Organised labour has again warned the Federal Government to immediately suspend the implementation of the newly signed tax reform laws, raising fears of a nationwide confrontation with workers if the policy is enforced without review.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said the tax laws were drafted and implemented without the input of workers in both the public and private sectors, despite workers being among the country’s largest taxpayers.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, issued the warning in Abuja on Wednesday while speaking at the launch of a memoir in honour of former NLC President, Hassan Summonu, held alongside celebrations marking his 85th birthday.
Ajaero argued that the new tax regime places additional financial burdens on low-income earners and the poor, describing it as regressive and unfair, particularly for workers already grappling with severe economic hardship.
He accused the Federal Government of deliberately excluding labour from the presidential tax reform process, warning that laws which tax the national minimum wage and deepen poverty cannot be described as progressive or just.
According to him, proceeding with the implementation of the laws without broad stakeholder engagement could undermine public trust, weaken tax administration, and threaten democratic stability, urging the government to pause, rethink, and redirect the policy.
The labour leader also demanded the immediate constitution of the PENCOM Board and called on the Federal Government to urgently address workers’ wages ahead of the next national minimum wage negotiations.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has directed all revenue consultants operating in the state to immediately suspend the issuance of new tax assessments for the collection of state levies.
The directive, contained in a press release issued on January 6, 2026, followed the commencement of the Tax Reform Acts on January 1, 2026, and is aimed at ensuring strict compliance with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act, 2025.
Executive Chairman of CRIRS, Prince Edwin Okon, said the suspension would remain until further notice and forms part of broader reforms designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency, while also eliminating multiple taxation and revenue leakages.
He added that the state has ended cash-based tax collections, directing taxpayers to pay only through approved digital platforms or designated government accounts, assuring residents that the reforms are meant to simplify processes and promote fairness rather than impose additional burdens.
