By Erewunmi Peace

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised serious concerns over the recently enacted tax laws, warning that they could worsen poverty and economic hardship for Nigerian workers.

In a statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the new tax reforms were developed without sufficient input from workers and may place a heavier financial burden on low-income earners.

He described provisions that could affect the national minimum wage as regressive, cautioning that such measures could deepen poverty rather than alleviate it.

“The Federal Government must urgently reconsider these tax laws to prevent further hardship for ordinary Nigerians,” Ajaero said during a press briefing.

The NLC’s warning comes amid growing debate among civil society groups, labour unions, and political figures, many of whom have expressed concerns that the reforms may disproportionately affect the poor. Meanwhile, government officials insist that the reforms are intended to modernize Nigeria’s tax system and ensure more efficient revenue collection.

The NLC has called on the government to engage stakeholders in reviewing the tax laws to prevent economic inequality and protect vulnerable citizens.