BY VICTORY OKONJO
AS civil servants bicker over the new tax law, organized labour in Delta State has called for patience as they take a critical look at the implementation.
In a joint statement issued over the weekend, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Delta State Councils acknowledged workers’ concerns regarding increased Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) deductions.
The labour unions recognised that the implementation of the new tax law has caused significant distress among public sector workers.
According to the press statement dated January 27, 2026, “The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress in Delta is aware that with the implementation of the new tax law, there has been significant increase in the PAYE of workers in the public service which has made some workers to be agitated and restive.”
The statement, signed by the Secretaries of NLC and TUC, Comrade Enekhawore Acrobat, and Comrade Okafor Henry, respectively, reaffirmed that workers’ welfare remained the paramount concern of organized labour in Delta State.
The labour leaders assured workers that they were actively studying the situation before taking a definitive position.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress wish to assure workers in the state that Labour is studying the template used in implementing the tax regime and will come out with a position as soon as possible,” the statement read.
While investigations continue, the unions urged workers to exercise restraint and maintain their productivity.
“Workers in the state are therefore urged to remain calm, law abiding, hardworking and continue to be committed to the M.O.R.E agenda of the Oborevwori-led administration,” the statement added.
The labour unions emphasised that they would pursue resolution through dialogue rather than confrontation, promising to engage with the state government and relevant tax authorities to ensure workers were not over-taxed.
The development comes amid widespread complaints from civil servants across the state who have noticed substantial reductions in their take-home pay following the implementation of the new tax regime.
