- Appeals For Oborevwori’s Swift Intervention
BY RITA OYIBOKA
THE organised labour in Delta State has appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene in the implementation of the new National Tax Law, which they said has triggered widespread concern among workers across the state.
In a joint statement signed by the Delta State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the unions commended the Governor for his swift action on workers’ welfare and the timely payment of salaries.
“On behalf of the Delta State workforce, we wish to felicitate with our amiable Governor and express our sincere appreciation for prompt payment of workers’ salaries as well as the gigantic projects initiated and completed across the state since your assumption of office in 2023,” the letter read.
The unions also acknowledged the successful implementation of the new National Minimum Wage, which they said brought the much-needed relief to workers.
However, the unions highlighted that the recent PAYE (Pay-As-You-Earn) Tax adjustments under the new National Tax Regime has sparked anxiety among civil servants.
“Since the payment of the January 2026 salaries, there have been mounting tensions and agitations among workers.
“The offices of both Trade Union centres have been besieged by aggrieved workers demanding urgent intervention,” the letter added.
The unions noted that, while the new minimum wage, which took effect on October 1, 2024, was welcomed with optimism, the simultaneous implementation of the tax increment has left many workers financially disoriented. “Most workers’ take-home pay has effectively returned to negative, hindering their ability to carry out duties effectively,” the letter said.
Despite the concerns, the unions acknowledged the financial obligations of the State. “Organised Labour understands the significant wage bill borne by the State as a result of salary increases. We equally appreciate the contributions of workers through payment of taxes for the overall development of the State,” the letter stated.
The appeal emphasised that, while tax compliance was essential for state development, its implementation should be tempered with consideration for workers’ welfare. “It is our humble opinion that the implementation of the law on the new National Tax Regime should be done with a human face for the sustenance of the general well-being of workers,” the unions said.
The unions, therefore, called on Governor Oborevwori to intervene swiftly to ameliorate the challenges faced by workers. “We respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to use your good office to intervene, with a view to addressing the difficulties being experienced by workers due to the full implementation of the New National Tax Law,” the letter concluded.
