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  • NLC seeks annual review of minimum wage

    NLC seeks annual review of minimum wage

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to consider annual review of national minimum wage because of inflationary trend and value of Naira.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President made the call in Abuja at the 2nd National Labour Adjudication and Arbitration Forum, organised by the National Employers Consultative Association (NECA).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the theme of the forum is “Strengthening Tripartitism and Social Dialogue (including alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms) for a Sustainable Industrial Relations System in Nigeria.

    Ajaero said government should have a rethink on the five year cycle of minimum wage because it was not favourable to the Nigerian workers.

    According to him, no matter the amount negotiated, it would have been eaten up by inflation before the end of the five year cycle.

    “There is a need to tinker with the law providing for five yearly renegotiation of national minimum wage to allow for yearly adjustment of wages based on the rate of inflation and value of the Naira.

     “This is important because people have been coming up to say that if we increase salaries, it will affect inflation.

    However, we cannot leave salary to be constant while other variables continue to grow,’’ he said.

    Ajaero said workers were displeased with the poor implementation of the N35,000 wage award by the federal government.

    The NLC president added that most federal government workers were yet to receive their January salary.

    He therefore called on the government to expedite the implementation of the 16 points agreement reached with organised labour to cushion the effects the fuel subsidy removal.

    Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, commended NECA for collaborating with the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) to organise the forum.

    Read Also: CSOs urge NLC to shelve proposed strike

    She said the forum would foster dialogue among stakeholders and promote peaceful industrial relations.

    Sen. Dike Plang, Chairman, Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity said event was apt and critical to the sustainable industrial relations in Nigeria.

    The lawmaker assured that the national assembly would ensure comprehensive review and amendment of existing labour laws to conform to international labour standards.

    He also commended President Bola Tinubu for constituting the tripartite committee on the review of minimum wage for workers.

    (NAN)

  • Labour issues 14-day ultimatum to govt on agreements

    Labour issues 14-day ultimatum to govt on agreements

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)  and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) yesterday gave the Federal Government 14 days ultimatum to implement the 16-point agreement reached on October 2, last year.

    Organised labour gave the ultimatum in a statement jointly signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo, in Abuja.

    The ultimatum, according to the unions, starts today.

    But, the Federal Government denied any breach of agreement, saying that it will continue to accord priority to workers’ welfare.

    It urged the unions to embrace dialogue, Information and National Orientation Minister Alhaji Mohammed Idris said any strike at this moment would not be in national interest.

    Also, the Minister of Labour and Employment,  Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, reiterated government’s determination to honour its agreement with the unions.

    Labour and the Federal Government signed a 16-point agreement, which led to the suspension of strike in 2023.

    The TUC and NLC had threatened an indefinite strike to protest “the cost of living,” following the removal of petroleum subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Last year, President Tinubu approved the payment of the four months withheld salaries of university teachers.

    This was one of the items on the 16- point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

    The president also gave approval for the payment of N35, 000 wage award to federal workers.

    Labour said the government only paid one month of the six months agreed wage award, adding that many civil servants were yet to be paid the N35, 000.

    In their joint statement, the two Labour unions said “despite the passage of time, the majority of these crucial agreements remain unmet or negligibly addressed, indicating a blatant disregard for the principles of good faith, welfare and rights of Nigerian workers and Nigerians.”

    Labour said the ultimatum was a last resort occasioned by the “persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship in the country.”

    It said everything must be done within the two weeks to “avoid a situation where we may be compelled to take appropriate steps to protect Nigerian workers and masses.”

    The statement reads: “These agreements which were reached with the Federal Government were focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socioeconomic consequences of the ill-conceived and ill-executed IMF/World Bank induced hike in the price of PMS and the Devaluation of the Naira. These dual policies have had as we predicted dire economic consequences for the masses and workers of Nigeria.

    “Widespread Hunger is now ravishing millions of Nigerians, with the Workers purchasing power significantly eroded, while insecurity has assumed an increasing dimension. Nigerians are left wondering where their next meals will come from and what tomorrow might bring. The level of panic and anxiety among the populace has become nightmarish unfortunately, in the midst of all these, it appears our government is bereft of appropriate measures to ameliorate the huge burden it has foisted on the citizenry.

    “We wish to state that these agreements, which encompass a wide range of issues crucial to the well-being of Nigerian masses and workers, have not been honored as pledged by the Federal Government. From Wage Awards, Palliative adjustments to improved access to public utilities; to the meddlesomeness in the internal affairs of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the interference by the Lagos State Government in union activities, the case of illegal and unlawful proscription of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria RTEAN. The government’s failure to uphold its end of the bargain is deeply regrettable and unacceptable to the working people and the citizenry.

    “Constrained by this development and recognising the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defense of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, to honour their part of the understanding within 14 Days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February, 2024.”

    Embrace dialogue, Govt tells unions

    The Federal Government urged NLC and TUC to embrace dialogue.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, told reporters in Abuja that strike would not be in national interest.

    The minister said the allegations of breach of agreement with Labour was not true.

    Idris said: “We appeal to Labour to always see reason with the government. It is not in government’s interest for the labour to continue to go on strike.

    Read Also: Anambra woman faces prosecution for using grandson in child labour

    “Let them come again, around the table to continue to have engagements and conversations around whatever gray areas they think they have in some of these agreements that have already been signed.”

    He added: “Government keeps its promises. If there are other things that they (NLC, TUC) think they are concerned about, I think that they will sit down with government and government is ever ready to listen to labour so that we can have an amicable resolution.”

    Govt will honour agreement,  says Onyejeocha

     Labour and Employment Minister Onyejeocha assured that government will fulfill all agreements with Labour.

    She said in a statement that President Tinubu was working hard to address the needs and concerns of the nation.

    Onyejeocha said: “The government recognizes the plight of Nigerians and has shown good faith so far in its negotiations with the trade unions. During negotiations, resolutions are carried out in stages. However, government is assuring Nigerians of its continued commitment to addressing labour concerns and consequently fulfilling all agreements.

    “One of such efforts is the N35,000 wage award agreed between the government and organised labour, which is currently still being disbursed to Nigerian citizens.

    “Additionally, we have also through the Lagos State Government, fulfilled up to 80% of the agreement with the management of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and there are ongoing efforts to complete the process.

    “The government would also like to bring to the public’s attention the 37-member tripartite committee on national minimum wage which was recently inaugurated to recommend a new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers, all in a bid to mitigate the hardship the Nigerian citizens are facing.

    “Amidst these developments, the government is actively implementing its plan to go green with the launch and distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses nationwide which is aimed at alleviating transportation challenges arising from subsidy removal.

    “Provisions have also been made for an initial 55,000 CNG conversion kits as part of the commencement of the auto gas conversion programme.”

  • BREAKING: NLC, TUC issue 14-day notice of nationwide strike, warns FG

    BREAKING: NLC, TUC issue 14-day notice of nationwide strike, warns FG

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have sent a notice of a 14-day national strike to the federal government.

    The unions said that the 16-point agreement that was reached on October 2, 2023, between them and the federal government, has not been implemented.

    The national leadership of the TUC and NLC expressed sadness that the government appears indifferent to the widespread suffering and adversity in the nation, despite their attempts to maintain industrial peace.

    The unions in a statement said: “The October 2nd agreement was focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socioeconomic consequences of the ill-conceived and ill-executed IMF/World Bank-induced hike in the price of PMS and the devaluation of the naira. These dual policies have had, as we predicted, dire economic consequences for the masses and workers of Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion: NLC, TUC commiserate Makinde, residents

    They further lamented: “It is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leave us with no choice.

    “Constrained by this development and recognising the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defence of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government to honour their part of the understanding within 14 days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February 2024.”

  • NLC begs Tinubu to review economic policies inflicting hardship on Nigerians

    NLC begs Tinubu to review economic policies inflicting hardship on Nigerians

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to review some of the policies of his government to reduce the hardship in the country.

    The NLC said the removal of petrol subsidy, naira devaluation and other economic decisions of the government had contributed to inflation, reduced purchasing power, and led to job losses.

    It also identified the expansion of foreign exchange allocation and the cash crunch as some of the government policies that posed challenges for citizens.

    The organisation said a holistic overhaul of these policies was essential to make them more effective and sustainable.

    President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero said this on Thursday at the 21st Daily Trust Dialogue held at the Nigeria Airforce Conference Center Abuja with the theme: “Tinubu’s Economic Reforms: Gainers and Losers.”

    The NLC President said that any reform of the government that does not deliberately reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria by at least 50 per cent was deceptive. 

    Ajaero said: “Thus far, the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, largely driven by neoliberal principles, have sparked mixed reactions. While some measures may attract foreign investment and provide immediate fiscal relief, they come with significant socio-economic consequences. 

    “The removal of petrol subsidy, Naira devaluation, and other measures contribute to inflation, reduced purchasing power, and job losses. The expansion of foreign exchange allocation and privatization efforts may benefit specific groups, but historical precedents raise concerns about their long-term success. The cash crunch, whether intentional or not, poses challenges for citizens. A holistic overhaul of these policies is essential to make them more effective and sustainable.

    “We urge the government to review some of its policies and seek creative ways to reduce the hardship on the growing army of the poor in Nigeria, support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, boost agricultural sector, take deliberate steps to encourage cottage industries dotting the nation’s landscape, pay workers a living wage to encourage productivity, provide incentives for struggling businesses in the organized private sector, get the publicly owned domestic refineries working to provide cheaper Petroleum products, pursue the CNG alternatives, increase budget effectiveness, grow the domestic economy and purge itself of the growing number of corrupt public officials by ensuring that there is consequence for every act of the breach of public trust.

    Read Also: NLC suspends Imo delegates’ conference indefinitely

    “Our nation is in dire straits and it is only by the leadership exhibiting more patriotism and thinking more of the citizens that they can craft policies that will lift our nation out of the doldrums. The world Bank as unreliable as their data is on developing nations has predicted a 3.3% growth in our economy this year. 

    “We just hope it is real growth and not that which is driven by the devaluation of the Naira. However, we can grow faster than this if we learn as a nation to put our food where our mouth is. Listening to the IMF and World Bank has never helped us and will never help us. 

    “Our destiny is in our hands and we can take deliberate and sustained steps to support our real sectors, nurse and encourage them to grow.”

  • NLC suspends Imo delegates’ conference indefinitely

    NLC suspends Imo delegates’ conference indefinitely

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced the indefinite suspension of the planned Imo Delegates’ Conference.

    NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja announced this yesterday in Abuja in a statement addressed to all its affiliates.

    Ugboaja said the suspension of the delegates’ conference in the state was due to unforeseen circumstances in the state.

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    The congress had informed all that the conference would hold on January 10 in three states.

    These state councils, which are under the leadership of the Caretaker Committees include Abia, Imo, and Osun states.

    According to him, this is to inform all affiliates especially those with State Councils in Imo state of the indefinite suspension of the earlier proposed state delegates Conference in the state due to unforeseen circumstances.

    “The other two states will still go on as planned.

    “While we continue to work towards strengthening the congress to deliver on its mandates, you will be informed accordingly of any further developments,” he said.

  • N750/litre proposal: NLC blasts World Bank, asks FG to reject foreign influence

    N750/litre proposal: NLC blasts World Bank, asks FG to reject foreign influence

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) declared the World Bank as the number enemy of Nigeria following its request that the federal government should increase the price of the fuel to N750 per litre. 

    This was contained in a statement issued by the NLC president, Ajaero on Thursday, December 15.

    He said: “It is truly a shame that the World Bank has really shown itself to be an enemy of the Nigerian nation. Its continued grandstanding and generation of anti-poor policies and programmes have destabilised many countries of the South, especially nations within the sub-Saharan region.”

    During a presentation in Abuja, the World Bank’s senior economist for Nigeria, Alex Sienaert, came under fire from the union for endorsing the unjustified recommendation a rise in fuel prices to N750 per litre which the union rejected. 

    Ajaeeo added: “We vehemently reject the recent advice by the World Bank urging the Nigerian government to increase petrol prices to N750 per litre.

    “We remind the government that Nigeria should not allow foreign entities like the World Bank and the IMF to dictate economic policies that are detrimental to the welfare of its citizens. It is imperative that our leaders look inwards, tapping into the vast resources and human potential within our nation to address challenges and formulate policies that genuinely uplift the standard of living for all Nigerians.”

    The union urged the government to reject foreign influence in economic policies and prioritize the wellbeing of its residents, even as it accused the World Bank of pushing policies that put foreign interests ahead of the welfare of the Nigerian people.

    “The difficulties and suffering created by the last hike in the price of PMS which was a product of the advice of the World Bank and its sister institution; the IMF is still ravaging the nation destroying in its wake the nation’s industrial base and domestic manufacturing capacity which favours Western metropoles,” the NLC chairman added.

    The NLC further urged the government to turn inward, utilizing human potential and domestic resources to solve problems and raise everyone in Nigeria’s level of living.

    Read Also: Delta NLC and wage award for workers

    The labour union warned against additional rises in PMS costs, citing the gap between worldwide prices and local wages and characterizing such a move as a “suicide pill” that would aggravate the country’s economic predicament.

    The union cautioned the World Bank to steer clear of Nigerian economic policies and allow the country to implement its policies that will be of benefit to yrs citizens.

  • Delta NLC and wage award for workers

    Delta NLC and wage award for workers

    Sir: Following the removal of petroleum subsidy by the immediate past Muhammadu Buhari administration, which was inherited by current Bola Tinubu-led administration, the nation’s labour unions embarked on an agitation, asking the government to find ways to cushion the effect on Nigerians.

    As a result, President Tinubu rolled out various programmes and policies aimed at ameliorating the difficulties posed by the subsidy removal. One of the policies was a N35, 000 wage award for workers under the payroll of governments at all levels. While the federal government has started the implementation for its workforce, some state governments like Enugu, Bayelsa, Edo and some others have keyed into it.

    Recently, the Oyo State government approved an award of N25,000 for its workforce, while Osun State opted to pay N15,000. Some other states have commenced theirs unannounced.

    But Delta State, which is one of the oil-producing states that receive the highest allocation from the monthly allocation from the Federation Account, is yet to come forward with its wage award for its workforce.

    Recently, the Delta State NLC Chairman, Jonathan Ofoburuku told reporters in Asaba, the state capital, that the state chapter is in talks with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led government over what would be acceptable as its wage award for the state workers.

    But, in what appears a contradiction of his position, he berated the federal government for unilaterally deciding on what the approved wage award should be. He added that the federal government does not have the constitutional powers to determine for the states what they will pay its workers as wage award.

    This was the position of Delta State NLC about two months ago. The workers have been in high hopes since then that something was in the offing for them. 

    But several weeks after Ofoburuku made the statement, nothing has happened.

    Read Also: Oshiomhole to NLC: advocate N35,000 minimum wage for all workers

    Recent findings indicate that the Delta State government had initiated the payment of the sum of N10,000 monthly per worker for three months, rather than implement the federal government wage award. This is in contradistinction to the situation in other states, where the new wage award is being paid for six months.

    Against this background, Delta State workers are at a loss as to why the government paid only N10,000 and why the union leaders in the state could not secure a better deal for the workers who are groaning under the heavy yoke of galloping inflation.

    It is a common knowledge that under the government of former governor, James Ibori, Delta State had always keyed into whatever the federal government pays its workers as an oil-producing state. Besides, Delta State was always the first to implement it immediately after the federal government.

    All these were terminated when Ifeanyi Okowa took over the reins of power as the governor. Worst still is the fact that Delta State labour leaders often times do not agitate and bargain for the state workforce whose interest they are supposed to protect. They usually turn themselves into the mouthpiece of the government to the detriment of the workers in the state, particularly those on the pay roll of the state government.

    If states with poor monthly allocation can afford to pay their workers N35,000 wage award, why can the Delta State government not afford to pay? The world is watching Sheriff Oborevwori and the state leadership of NLC over the matter.

    • Ifeonu Okolo, Asaba, Delta State.
  • NLC seeks new National Minimum Wage commensurate with cost of living

    NLC seeks new National Minimum Wage commensurate with cost of living

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said the commencement of  negotiation of  the new National Minimum Wage in 2024 would be based on the prevailing cost of living in the country.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this at the ongoing 19th edition of the NLC 2023 Harmattan School, organised by the Congress on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The theme of the event is “Building Workers’ Skills for Policy Engagement”.

    The Harmattan School is part of the NLC National Schools where it trains and empowers members of its affiliated unions through skills development.

    Ajaero, represented by Mr Benjamin Anthony, Vice-President of NLC, said it was necessary for government at all levels to recognise that life and living conditions are exceedingly difficult.

    “The removal of subsidies on petroleum products has further worsened the challenges faced by working people.

    “That is unleashing severe pain and contributing to galloping inflation and increasing inequality and poverty.

    “We must reckon that a well-motivated and well-remunerated workforce has a positive impact on productivity and national development.

    “As we anticipate the commencement of negotiations for the National Minimum Wage in 2024.

    “We seek the understanding of all stakeholders to ensure that we use this opportunity to arrive at a minimum wage commensurate with the prevailing cost of living,’”he said.

    Read Also: NLC seeks transparency, accountability in tax administration 

    He said that the ultimate goal, though, is to establish a living wage that covers the cost of living and make allowance for some savings by the workers.

    Ajaero  said that the recent assault on workers and their leaders in Imo  poses a grave threat to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

    “This is as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining.

    “This should unequivocally be condemned by all people of goodwill. The only thing that can assuage our pains is for the Imo  Government to address all labour issues.

    “They are also to return the so-called ‘ghost workers’ to their jobs, pay all outstanding salaries and pensions and call back all victimised workers to their jobs,”he said.

    On the theme of the event, he said it was  apt given the importance of skill and knowledge in policy processes and engagements.

    “In the ever changing world of work, as trade unions, we should prepare ourselves to engage with the employers in the workplace and government in the interest of the workers and the masses.

    “In order to efficiently engage in any policy, the trade unions must equip their members to understand policy making processes, its implementation, monitoring and evaluation,”he said.

    Speaking, Dr Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director to Nigeria, said the world of work was undergoing rapid changes, driven by technological advances, climate change, among others.

    She said that these changes were affecting workers and trade unions, thereby posing new challenges and opportunities for collective action and advocacy.

    According to her, trade unions remain critical stakeholders in promoting workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and advancing social and economic justice.

    “Against this context, there is no better time than now for a serious and strategic reflection on the role that organised labour executes in policy engagement and dialogue.

    “This 19th edition is dedicated to reflecting on the pertinent question ‘’how can trade unions build power and transform their organisations in the context of rapidly changing economic and labour market policies’.

    “The need for strong, democratic, independent, and representative workers’ organisations, effective and adequately resourced labour administrations.

    “Also the robust and inclusive social dialogue institutions and processes remain fundamental, especially in times of crisis and recovery,”she said.

    She added that these institutions are the bedrock of labour market governance, a prerequisite for social justice and the building blocks for the delivery of policy engagement driven decent work solutions.

    Phala said policy engagement was a facet of social dialogue and that for the ILO, social dialogue in all its forms was crucial for policy coherence and effective crisis and resilience management.

    “It is also a key governance instrument in managing and responding to transformations in the world of work.

    “In this regard, the exigency of the theme of the 19th Harmattan School becomes even more pertinent, especially in elaborating the role trade unions play in policy engagement.

    “This is particularly as it relates to advancing policy options for improved governance and conditions of the working people in Nigeria ”she added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • NLC seeks transparency, accountability in tax administration 

    NLC seeks transparency, accountability in tax administration 

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged federal and state governments to ensure a fair and just tax administration that should be transparent and open. 

    The congress suggested that businesses with high turnovers should pay more tax than low-income earners.

    It noted that governments collect taxes from citizens without taking the demand side into account and enforce regulations more harshly on the supply side.

    The NLC Focal Person on Tax Justice, Eustace James, said this at a one-day consultative engagement on: Harmonising Efforts to Strengthen Tax Systems in the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria organised by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) with support from Christian Aid in Abuja.

    CISLAC coordinates the secretariat of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP), the foremost civil society platform in Nigeria, working to promote and advocating for transparent, equitable, and progressive tax systems in Nigeria. 

    TJ&GP comprises 18 sub-national platforms in 18 states across the country with its secretariat being coordinated by CISLAC with broad direction provided by a Steering Committee at the national level.

    James said there was the need for “a tax justice system in place that ensures that people pay their fair share of taxes, and there is transparency and accountability in the administration of taxes”.

    He added: “The NLC is one of the tax justice and governance platforms that will work with you to play our role and collaborate anytime to ensure that we have a just, transparent, and equitable tax justice system in the society.

    “Big businesses, high-net worth individuals, and many of them don’t even pay their fair share of what they should pay as taxes. While those who are less trodden, have no control over corporate taxes. 

    “Government prosecutes more on the supply side, collecting tax from people without putting more emphasis on the demand side.”

    The activist stressed that to have a tax system that is just, equitable, and fair, the citizens must pay their fair share of taxes based on their income.

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    The Secretary of the Nigerian TJ&GP, Chinedu Bassey, faulted unauthorised tax administrators who he said tax women “disproportionately without proper authorisation”.

    He added that the platform wanted to guarantee that everyone received a fair share of the taxes they paid.

    Bassey said: “We have so much bias to the people who are down the ladder because we know that the high-net worth individuals have their way out to wriggle out of the tax net; then, the people down the ladder don’t always have that opportunity to evade or avoid any form of taxes.

    “We know that there are so many unauthorised tax administrators out there who impose a burden on the people, especially women, and they go unabated and nobody is checking what they are doing.”

    The Nigerian TJ&GP secretary urged the government to be proactive in shaping tax activities to reduce the burden people are faced with.

    Stakeholders at the parley called for a review of the nation’s tax system as they concurred that there were inefficiencies in the current tax collection system. 

    The tax experts regretted that the current system was taxing “poverty”.

  • NLC seeks transparency, accountability in tax system

    NLC seeks transparency, accountability in tax system

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged both federal and state governments to enthrone a fair and just tax system that would be transparent and open.

    The congress argued that businesses with high turnovers should pay more tax than low-income earners.

    The NLC lamented that governments collect taxes from citizens without taking the demand side into account and enforce regulations more harshly on the supply side.

    The NLC focal person on tax justice, Eustace James said this at a one-day consultative engagement on “Harmonising Efforts to Strengthen Tax Systems in the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria”, organised by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre with support from Christian Aid in Abuja.

    The Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) is the foremost civil society platform in Nigeria, working to promote and advocate for transparent, equitable and progressive tax systems in Nigeria.

    Comprising 18 subnational platforms across eighteen (18) states in the country, the TJ&GP’s Secretariat is coordinated by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) with broad direction provided by a Steering Committee at the National level.

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    James said there was the need for “a tax justice system in place that ensures that people pay their fair share of taxes, and there is transparency accountability in the administration of taxes.”

    He said: “The NLC is one of the tax justice and governance platforms that will work with you to play our role and collaborate anytime to ensure that we have a just, transparent, and equitable tax justice system in society.

    “Big businesses, high-network individuals, and many of them don’t even pay their fair share of what they should pay as taxes. While those who are less trodden, have no control over corporate taxes.

    “Government prosecutes more on the supply side, collecting tax from people without putting more emphasis on the demand side.”

    He pointed out that to have a tax system that is just, equitable and fair, people must pay their fair share of taxes based on their income.

     The Secretary of the Nigerian Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Chinedu Bassey, expressed regret over the unauthorised tax administrators who tax women “disproportionately without proper authorisation.”

    He added that the platform wants to guarantee that everyone receives a fair share of the taxes they pay.

    He said: “We have so much bias to the people who are down the ladder, because we know that the high net worth individuals have their way out to wriggle out of the tax net then the people down the ladder, don’t always have that opportunity to evade or avoid any form of taxes.

    “We know that there are so many unauthorised tax administrators out there who impose a burden on the people, especially women, and they go unabated and nobody is checking what they are doing.”

    He urged the government to be proactive in shaping tax activities to reduce the burden people are faced with.

    Stakeholders at the meeting called for a review of the tax system in the country.

    They agreed that there were inefficiencies in the present tax collection system.

    The tax experts lamented that the present system was taxing “poverty.”