NLC seeks dialogue on tax reform as Makinde urges collaboration

Promote Tinubu’s achievements, if any, gov tells aide

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for dialogue with the Federal Government on the Tax Reform Bills, especially as it affects Nigerian workers.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has urged the Special Adviser to President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, to promote the policies and achievements of his principal, if there is any, to showcase to Nigerians, rather than attacking critics.
  
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, at the unveiling of the CNG buses presented to the South-West chapters of the union in Ibadan, stated that the dialogue became expedient to address some grey areas in the bills.
  
He said: “There is a need for collaboration with the government to straighten out some issues as spelt out in the bill. There is a section of the bill that states zero taxation for workers earning below N800,000 per annum, but you and I know that in the public service, people have gone beyond maybe levels 2 and 3.
  
“It then means that all workers in Nigeria will be affected because if we take a baseline of N70,000 per month (Level 1 step 1), no worker is exempted in the payment of taxes. That is the area people are seeking clarification. What we are saying is that we need to talk, so that we tell you where it is hurting us.”
  
Deputy Governor of Oyo, Bayo Lawal, who represented the governor at the unveiling of the CNG buses, at the weekend, called for increased collaboration with Labour.
  
Also speaking, a lecturer at Lead City University, Ibadan, Prof. Godwin Oyedokun, submitted that taxes were essential for building society, but cautioned against “taxing poverty”, which means taxing people who have no means to pay.
  
According to the tax professor, the new tax is aimed at those with luxurious lifestyles, ensuring they contribute to the system. Stating the significance of the tax reform in capturing revenue from the informal sector and digital businesses, he urged the NLC to engage in positive negotiations with the government, rather than opposing the reforms outright, suggesting that those resisting reforms might be motivated by self-interest.

LAST Friday, Dare stated: “Governor Bala (Mohammed) should face governance and stop using President Tinubu to burnish his vanishing image. He is playing irresponsible politics. Rather, he should occupy himself with dealing with the many problems of his state. Ambition is made of sterner stuff.”

Dare was responding to Mohammed, who said Tinubu’s economic reform policies were putting the North and Nigerians at large under strain. Mohammed, in a five-page response signed by his Media Advisor, Mukhtar Gidado, described Dare’s comments as unprofessional, divisive and ill-timed.
  
He said: “Mr Dare displayed poor judgment unbecoming of his office. This calculated move is a disservice to the President, who deserves better representation.”
  
The governor said it was not the first time Dare had launched an “unprovoked attack” on him.
 
 “His role as a media adviser demands professionalism, diplomacy and an unwavering commitment to uniting Nigerians behind the President’s vision. Instead, Dare has chosen to sow division and detract from critical national issues.
  
“We reiterate that Governor Mohammed respects the Office of the President and the responsibilities it entails. However, respect does not preclude critique in a democracy. Moving forward, we urge Dare to channel his efforts towards promoting the President’s policies and achievements, if any; rather than disparaging those offering constructive feedback,” stated.  The governor described the claims by the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, chaired by Taiwo Oyedele, that consultations were conducted as misleading.