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January 1, 2025 NLC Calls for Withdrawal of Tax Reform Bills and Wage Review

NLC Calls for Withdrawal of Tax Reform Bills and Wage Review

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government to withdraw the Tax Reform Bills recently submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly. The union emphasized the importance of involving key national stakeholders in drafting a comprehensive and inclusive tax policy.

In its New Year message on Tuesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the proposed tax reforms as controversial, particularly in northern regions, where they have faced criticism for allegedly hindering economic growth. He stressed that a transparent and collaborative process is essential for creating a tax framework that is both effective and widely accepted.

The statement, titled “In 2025, Hope Is in Our Collective Resolve,” highlighted the urgent need for policies that address critical areas such as food security, healthcare, housing, education, transportation, and security. The NLC also called for improved worker welfare, noting that these measures are crucial for good governance.

Ajaero reaffirmed the union’s commitment to negotiating higher wages to help workers cope with economic challenges. He urged compliance with the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act and pledged to engage the government on fair wage adjustments.

The NLC also expressed concern over the growing use of force against unions, warning that such actions could jeopardize industrial harmony.

“As we enter 2025, the NLC extends heartfelt New Year greetings to all workers and citizens across the nation. Despite the challenges we face, we must find the collective strength to move Nigeria out of underdevelopment. Our progress depends on our united effort and determination,” the statement read.

Looking ahead, the NLC announced plans to hold a national dialogue in Ibadan this January to develop a new tax framework that supports economic growth and national development.

The union reiterated its call for the government to withdraw the current tax bills, emphasizing the need for a collaborative process to create a tax system that garners public trust and drives progress.

“As we prepare for this national dialogue, we hope to co-create a tax policy that aligns with the goals of national development. We also urge the government to uphold industrial peace by prioritizing social dialogue, respecting agreements with trade unions, and implementing pro-people policies,” the statement added.

The NLC underscored its dedication to advocating for workers’ rights and ensuring governance reflects the needs of citizens. It called on all Nigerians to unite and work together toward sustainable development and prosperity in 2025.

January 1, 2025 Tinubu Pledges to Reduce Inflation and Food Prices to 15% by 2025

Tinubu Pledges to Reduce Inflation and Food Prices to 15% by 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged that his administration will bring down inflation to 15% from the 34.6% recorded in November 2024 and significantly reduce food prices across the country.

In his New Year’s address to Nigerians, the President outlined his administration’s commitment to achieving these goals through massive food production and the promotion of local manufacturing of essential goods, including medical supplies.

“Our government is determined to lower these costs by increasing food production and supporting local manufacturing of essential drugs and medical supplies,” Tinubu said. “With focused efforts and God’s help, we aim to reduce inflation to 15% and provide much-needed relief to our people.”

The President emphasized the importance of boosting access to credit for individuals and critical economic sectors as part of a broader strategy to enhance national productivity.

“In 2025, we will intensify efforts to expand access to credit and support critical sectors of the economy. This will not only stimulate economic growth but also help us achieve our vision of a one trillion-dollar economy,” Tinubu explained.

Tinubu also called for unity and cooperation from all Nigerians to achieve the administration’s ambitious economic targets.

“I urge you to remain focused and united as we work together toward this shared goal. Your collaboration is vital for our success,” he added.

Despite the hardships endured in 2024, many Nigerians are cautiously optimistic about the possibility of economic recovery and growth in the coming year, buoyed by the President’s promises and the administration’s plans for transformation.

December 31, 2024 Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike at UNIMEDTH Over Poor Working Conditions

Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike at UNIMEDTH Over Poor Working Conditions

Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo town have commenced an indefinite strike, citing poor working conditions and unresolved grievances.

The strike follows a protest on Monday, where the doctor’s expressed frustration over issues such as illegal salary deductions, excessive taxation, and the non-payment of hazard allowances.

Dr. Olaogbe Kehinde, President of UNIMEDTH ARD, stated that the workload on the remaining doctors has become overwhelming due to mass resignations and unnotified departures caused by poor working conditions. Despite repeated appeals, hospital management has failed to address their demands.

“This decision to go on strike was difficult, but the failure to resolve critical issues affecting our members, infrastructure, and the quality of healthcare delivery left us with no choice,” Dr. Olaogbe said. He added that the doctors could no longer work under conditions that jeopardize their well-being and compromise patient care.

The doctors are urging the state government to:

  • Resolve salary irregularities and discrepancies.
  • Implement the new minimum wage scale.
  • Ensure salary parity with other tertiary hospitals as mandated by the teaching hospital constitution.
  • Improve working conditions across the hospital’s three centers in the state.

The immediate past ARD President, Dr. John Matthew, highlighted a significant disparity between the salaries of doctors in Ondo State and those in neighboring states. “Many doctors have left for states offering better welfare packages. Illegal salary deductions, exorbitant taxes, and poor infrastructure, including the hospital being disconnected from the national grid, are worsening the situation,” Dr. Matthew said.

Meanwhile, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Gbala Michael, has appealed to the striking doctors for more time to address their grievances.

The doctors expressed regret for the inconvenience the strike may cause to patients and the public but emphasized that their demands must be met to prevent further erosion of the healthcare system in the state.

December 31, 2024 Man Arrested for Shooting Friend Following Heated Argument in Abuja

Man Arrested for Shooting Friend Following Heated Argument in Abuja

The FCT Police Command has arrested 33-year-old Obinna Nwigwe for allegedly shooting his friend, Andrew Philemon, during a heated argument at Najob Guest House in Bwari. The incident occurred on December 26, 2024, and has raised concerns about violent crime in the region.

According to Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh, officers responded to a distress call about gunfire and arrived at the scene to find 29-year-old Philemon critically injured from a gunshot wound. Nwigwe, armed with a pump-action rifle, claimed the shooting was in self-defense after the argument escalated.

Nwigwe was promptly arrested at the scene. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered a shocking arsenal of weapons, including five Dane guns, one English-made single-barrel gun, an AK-47 magazine with 29 rounds of live ammunition, a taser, a bulletproof jacket, and various police uniforms and equipment.

Philemon is currently receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Abuja, while Nwigwe remains in police custody as investigations continue.

The FCT Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring public safety. SP Adeh emphasized the dangers of illegal firearm possession, stating, “The suspect will face the full weight of the law.”

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to aid in crime prevention. FCT Police Commissioner Tunji Disu highlighted the importance of community involvement in maintaining security, stressing, “The safety and security of our community rely on the active participation of all citizens.”

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