Tuc’s Osifo explained that the workers kicked against the Tax Reform Bill

President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Festus Osifo, has explained why organized workers kicked the tax bills proposed by the federal government.

Osifo, who spoke at the May 2025 celebration in Abuja, said that the bill imposed a heavy burden on workers while saving rich elites and companies.

He described the bill as “anti-worker.”

Osifo said: “The tax proposal is designed without workers’ involvement.

“They impose a heavy burden on our little allowance – things, transportation, and even medical benefits, but failed to promote a progressive taxation system that ensures that rich people pay a fair part.”

Specifically, President TUC criticized the plan to set a minimum taxable income at the N800,000 per year, saying the figure was only slightly below the newly agreed national minimum wage of N840,000 per year (N70,000 monthly).

“How can you charge taxes for someone who gets around the cost of only eight 50kg rice bags a year?

“This policy shows an insensitivity to the bad situation of Nigerian workers in the midst of inflation and economic difficulties that surmer,” he added.

Also read: Reps Committee Propose a Main Revision for Tax Reform Bills

He criticized the expansion proposed from the Value Added Tax (VAT) on important goods and the introduction of new levies, warning that such steps will increase living costs and disproportionately affect the poor.

President TUC also highlighted the pressure faced by the informal sector and accused that traders and small -scale craftsmen would be subject to alleged taxes and excessive compliance costs.

“We demand direct withdrawal of anti-work tax bills.

“Nigeria needs a fair and inclusive tax system, which frees important goods from VAT and provides concrete support to the informal sector,” he said.

Osifo called for an urgent reform in the electoral system to discuss what he described as “the crisis of political legitimacy in Nigeria.”

He urged the President of the Tinubu Soccer and the National Assembly to begin the broad and inclusive election reform process in the country.

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