Former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and the current NLC President, Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday took opposing positions on how the newly enacted tax laws affect Nigerian workers.
They spoke at the public presentation of a book titled ‘Organise, don’t Agonise’, written by the first president of the NLC, Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu, to commemorate his 85th birthday.
Minimum Wage Taxation Sparks Disagreement
Speaking at the event, Ajaero said the tax laws, which came into effect on January 1, provide for the taxation of workers earning the national minimum wage, a move he described as unfair and regressive.
“A tax law that imposes a heavy burden on workers and the poor is not progressive,” Ajaero said. “A tax policy that taxes the national minimum wage is not fair. Taxing people living in excruciating poverty is regressive.”
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He accused the Federal Government of excluding organised labour from the process that led to the passage of the tax bills, adding that labour’s warnings were ignored.
Oshiomhole Insists Minimum Wage Earners are Exempt
Oshiomhole, who spoke after Ajaero, dismissed the claims, insisting that minimum wage earners are exempt under the new tax regime.
“The minimum wage earner is exempted from tax,” the former Edo State governor said. “When you say minimum wage is being taxed, it creates a loophole.”
He noted that the tax laws, like the minimum wage framework, are subject to amendment and urged labour leaders to engage constructively rather than lament perceived shortcomings.
“If it is wrong, fight it. Do not lament it,” Oshiomhole said, adding that meaningful change requires sustained engagement.
Calls for Wage Review, PenCom Board Constitution
Ajaero used the occasion to call for an early review of the national minimum wage and urged the Federal Government to fully constitute the board of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
He criticised what he described as “grandstanding” by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, urging the government to address public concerns directly.
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Ajaero also warned that alleged alterations to the tax laws could undermine tax administration and democracy, noting that uncertainty over the authentic version of the law was dangerous.
Following public outcry, particularly from opposition groups, the National Assembly has released the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the tax bills as passed and forwarded for presidential assent.
Sunmonu at 85: Reflections on Labour Leadership
Sunmonu, who served as NLC president between 1978 and 1984, urged labour leaders to remain upright and principled in their dealings.
“The faith Nigerian workers have in us is a sacred trust that we must not betray,” he said.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the event, recalled how labour reforms during his tenure as military head of state between 1976 and 1979 led to the consolidation of labour unions and the eventual emergence of the NLC.
He praised Sunmonu for strengthening labour leadership and expanding its influence across Africa and beyond. Obasanjo also disclosed that he wrote the foreword to the book.
Other dignitaries at the event included Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, who reviewed the book; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN); Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Issa Aremu; ASUU President, Chris Piwuna; former NLC President, Ayuba Wabba; and former ECOWAS Executive Secretary, Mohamed Ibn Chambas.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
