The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the National Assembly to suspend work on the tax reform bills to allow for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers.

The congress criticised its exclusion from the formulation process of the bills, describing it as “unacceptable and a violation of the principles of tax justice.”

This position was outlined in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held in Owerri, Imo State.

The document, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, was made public on Thursday in Abuja.

It said: “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) emphasizes that the primary aim of taxation is to generate revenue for running the government. However, the justification of any tax system lies in its impact on the lives of the people. A fair and equitable tax system must prioritise fiscal discipline, transparency, and effectiveness in the use of tax funds to deliver tangible benefits to the citizenry.

“The NLC strongly asserts that discussions on taxation in a serious nation cannot exclude those who bear the brunt of the tax burden. The exclusion of organised labour in the formulation of the current Tax Bill is unacceptable and undermines the principles of tax justice. If labour is not at the table, it is effectively on the menu.

“The Congress demands that the Tax Bill currently before the National Assembly be halted for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers. The politicisation of the Bill and alienation of key stakeholders is worrying and robs it of its capacity as an effective tool to revamp the economy and develop our nation. We must go back to this basic. Only through inclusive dialogue can we ensure a just and equitable tax system that benefits all citizens.”

The NLC also lamented the scarcity of cash in circulation, calling on the Federal Government to intervene to rectify “this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights.”

“The NEC expressed grave concern over the persistent cash scarcity in Nigeria, describing it as an unfortunate and exploitative burden on the already struggling populace. The Council noted that Nigerians are being forced to forfeit 5% of their funds each time they access cash, an unacceptable situation that exacerbates the economic woes faced by millions. The impact of this on small businesses and other informal Economy operatives is huge as the situation poses serious disproportionate challenge to the poor and struggling workers and masses.

“The NLC demands immediate government intervention to rectify this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights. We expect the Central Bank Governor to take steps to ensure that cash is made available to the citizenry to enable small business transactions and stimulate Economic growth,” the communique said.

On security, the Congress called on the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and ensure the rule of law prevailed.

“The NEC raised alarms over the worsening insecurity in the country, referencing disturbing reports that Nigerians paid a staggering N2.23 trillion in ransom this year alone across 51.8 million recorded crime incidents. 614,937 Nigerians lost their lives while 2,235,954 others were kidnapped within one year. This appalling state of insecurity underscores the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and ensure the rule of law prevails. Majority of the citizens who either lost their lives or are maimed as a result are workers,” the communique added.

While acknowledging the overwhelming suffering endured this year, the NLC urged citizens to find moments of hope, resilience, and togetherness during the festive season.

“NEC urged citizens to be united to co-create a better nation in 2025. Resolving to build collective power would create needed synergies to successfully engage all the retrogressive forces holding our nation down and forge a breakthrough next year.

“NEC therefore reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers and the broader Nigerian populace. And finally, once again applauded the Government on the donation of the CNG buses but reminded it of the need for the outstanding buses to be handed over as pledged. It further reiterated its commitment to working with others to build our nation while remaining steadfast in its mission to protect the collective interests of workers and to champion a future rooted in justice, equity, and national progress,” the Congress said.

It condemned the actions of the Police and the Governor of Edo State for allegedly orchestrating an invasion of the NLC State Secretariat.

“The NEC strongly condemned the actions of the Police and the Governor of Edo State in orchestrating an invasion of the NLC State Secretariat. This brazen act of impunity included the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items, all in a bid to impose an illegitimate leadership on the workers.

“The NEC therefore, resolved to give the Edo State Government and the Police a deadline of 14 working days, up to January 8, 2025, to vacate the Secretariat premises, return all confiscated properties to the Congress, and commit to refraining from further interference in trade union activities. Failure to comply will compel the Congress to initiate unprecedented measures in defense of workers’ and trade union rights,” the communique added.

Outgoing Accountant-General of the Federation (AG-F), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein yesterday redeployed the director appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take over from her.

On December 10, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga announced the approval of the President for the appointment of Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as Acting Accountant-General.

Onanuga statement said: “His (Ogunjimi) appointment is effective immediately following the pre-retirement leave of the incumbent AG-F, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.

“In announcing Mrs. Madein’s successor, President Tinubu expects a seamless transition in the administration of Nigeria’s treasury and consolidates the implementation of the present administration’s treasury policy reforms.”

Mrs. Madein, due to retire on March 7, in line with civil service rules, was due to have commenced her pre-retirement leave on December 7.

However, Mrs. Madein and some top officials of the ministry frustrated Ogunjimi’s resumption until yesterday when his redeployment along with other officers, was announced.

In a December 18 circular which she personally signed,  Madein said: “I hereby approve the posting of the following Directorate Level Treasury Officers with immediate effect towards enhancing effective service  delivery.

“I want to further reiterate that all officers are to note that failure to comply with this posting instruction shall be treated in accordance with the provision of the Public Service Rules (PSR) 020602 (iv).

“Accordingly, affected officers are advised to submit assumption of duty certificates to the office of the undersigned  on or before Tuesday, 24th December, 2024.”

In the circular, Ogunjimi was moved from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (Funds) to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) Accounts.

Some others redeployed were Abalaka James N (OAGF Funds); Dagin Seldam (OAGF STF); Ekwem Virginus E (OAGF IPPIS); Luka Joshua Kadmi (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Accounts).

The situation at the AG-F office became more confusing yesterday when it became clear to the polarized staff members that the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (HoCSF) had endorsed Mrs. Madein to remain in office till her March 7 retirement date.

She took advantage of the elongation of her stay in office by the HoCSF to redeploy Ogunjimi.

The letter authorising Mrs. Madein’s continuation in office was issued by the HoCSF Mrs. Esther Walson-Jack and confirmed yesterday in Abuja.

According to the spokesperson of the (OAGF), Mr. Bawa Mokwa, the letter reinstates Mrs. Madein to her role as AG-F and allows her to oversee treasury operations until her retirement.

Mokwa said: “Embarking on terminal leave by retiring civil servants is optional; it’s in the civil service regulations.

“However, staff members are unsure if Mrs. Madein’s letter invalidates Ogunjimi’s appointment by the President.”

While the letter did not explicitly nullify Ogunjimi’s appointment as Acting AG-F, it may have slowed down his resumption as the acting AG-F until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu decides.

Mokwa confirmed Ogunjimi’s redeployment.

By Chukwuka Kanu

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing boundary disputes, fostering peaceful coexistence, and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria’s border regions.

This assertion was made by the director-general, Surv. Adamu Adaji, through the director in charge of interstate boundaries, Surv. Dr. Emmanuel Bulus, during the commission’s 2024 end-of-year media session on Thursday in Abuja.

He acknowledged that, despite the successes achieved, the commission still faces hurdles such as inadequate resources, insecurity in certain areas, and resistance from stakeholders. However, the NBC remains committed to overcoming these challenges through strategic partnerships and innovative strategies.

Read full text below:

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, distinguished guests, and my esteemed management staff,

Good evening, and thank you for joining us at this 2024 end-of-year media parley. This occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, address the challenges we have encountered, and share our vision for the year ahead.

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) remains steadfast in its mandate to resolve boundary disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.

Achievements in 2024

1. Interstate Boundary Department: Boundary Delimitation and Demarcation.

The resolution of interstate boundary disputes remained a top priority for the NBC and in 2024, we made significant strides in the following areas:

The Anambra/Enugu Boundary disputes saw the introduction of an innovative and dynamic approach otherwise known as the “Anambra/Enugu Home grown Formula,” been introduced to resolve the interstate dispute between the sister states leveraging local engagement and political will to advance the demarcation process.

Benue/Nasarawa Boundary: We successfully revived stalled pillar emplacement projects by harmonizing historical records and facilitating renewed dialogue between stakeholders.

Kebbi/Niger Boundary: Technical committees were established to evaluate historical documents and execute boundary tracing setting the stage for peaceful resolutions.

Field and Technical Exercises: Our team conducted extensive verification and alignment exercises on boundaries including Gombe/Taraba, FCT/Nasarawa, the Enugu/Kogi and determination of the Ekiti/Ondo/Osun tripartite point.

These efforts demonstrate our commitment to ensuring accuracy, fairness, and peaceful coexistence along Nigeria’s interstate boundaries.

2. Research and Policy Analysis Department

To enhance evidence-based decision-making, the NBC prioritized research and policy analysis in 2024:

Digitization of Records: The NBC’s library was fully digitized, modernizing archival practices and ensuring easier access to critical historical and legal documents.

Ethnographic Studies: Comprehensive studies were conducted along key boundaries such as Osun/Ogun and Adamawa/Taraba, these studies provided vital insights into cultural and socio-economic dynamics directly contributing to the formulation of conflict resolution strategies.

Sensitization workshop for boundary managers in Bauchi, covering seven states.

These initiatives underscore the importance of research in shaping effective boundary policies and fostering long-term stability.

3. Training and Capacity Building

Recognizing the importance of human capital development, the NBC invested significantly in training and capacity-building programs for staff and stakeholders in 2024.

Training Sessions: Focused on modern boundary management techniques and the application of advanced technologies, performance management system(PMS) participants acquired skills to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy in boundary surveys, demarcation activities and stakeholder engagement.

This investment in knowledge and skills will continue to yield dividends for the Commission and the nation in the years to come.

4. Maritime Boundaries Department

The Maritime Boundaries Department achieved remarkable milestones in 2024, advancing Nigeria’s maritime interests and fostering peaceful boundary resolutions.

Key achievements include: Nigeria/Ghana Maritime Boundary: Resumption of boundary negotiations and establishment of a Joint Technical Committee, with plans for the first Ghana/Nigeria Boundary Commission meeting in 2025.

Nigeria/Equatorial Guinea Maritime Boundary: Proactive engagements for sustainable resource management in the Gulf of Guinea, with discussions scheduled for early 2025.

Extended Continental Shelf: Capacity-building efforts, including officers training in Tanzania, focused on managing this vital maritime zone.

Deep Seabed Mining Advocacy: A sensitization workshop in September positioned Nigeria to seize opportunities in this emerging sector.

Collaboration and Partnerships: Facilitated the gazetting of host communities along the shoreline and collaborated with NASRDA on geospatial data management systems.

Achievements: International Boundaries Department for 2024

1. Nigeria-Benin International Boundary

The NBC facilitated several meetings aimed at resolving longstanding issues along the Nigeria-Benin international boundary. Key milestones included the inaugural session of the Committee of Experts on the Adjara River Sector, held in Porto Novo, Benin Republic, and subsequent meetings that screened and agreed on essential documents for resolving disputes in the Adjara river sector. Additionally, technical committees plotted historical treaties to better understand the boundary’s behavior in three states. along the Illo/Bugu sector.

2. Nigeria-Niger International Boundary

Significant strides were made along the Nigeria-Niger boundary with the sensitization of communities in Adare and Maigatari sectors, preparatory to the construction of 40 intermediate pillars in Jigawa State. These pillars, constructed between existing primary pillars, aim to make the boundary more visible and reduce disputes.

3. Nigeria-Cameroon International Boundary

The Commission completed the construction of 254 pillars in Borno State along the Nigeria-Cameroon boundary. It also hosted the 6th Extraordinary Session of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission in Yaoundé and undertook confidence-building initiatives in Adamawa, Borno, and Cross River States. Field assessments in Adamawa addressed disagreement areas, culminating in the 30th Project Steering Committee meeting in Lagos, where recommendations were made for resolving disputes.

4. Community Resettlement Projects

To support communities affected by boundary realignments, the NBC completed the construction of solar-powered boreholes in Banki town (Borno State) and Hadejia (Jigawa State). These efforts are critical in improving the livelihoods of displaced populations and fostering peaceful coexistence.

Through these initiatives, the International Boundaries Department has reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful boundary management, fostering cooperation with neighboring countries, and enhancing the welfare of border communities.

6. Cross-Border Cooperation

Cross-border cooperation remains a cornerstone of our mandate, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to regional and continental integration:

In 2024, we advanced these initiatives on several levels:

National Level: The NBC Operationalized bilateral platforms along Nigeria’s international boundaries. These platforms, covering Nigeria/Benin, Nigeria/Niger, Nigeria/Chad, Nigeria/Cameroon and Nigeria’s maritime borders, promote peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation among border communities.

Regional Level: As a leader in the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation initiative, Nigeria continues to champion the free movement of people, goods, and services within West African.

Continental Level: Nigeria Ratified the African Union Niamey Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation. This step enhanced peaceful border management, strengthened border security, and unlocks economic opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA),

Through this effort we are transforming borders from barriers into bridges of cooperation and development.

Challenges

Despite these successes, challenges such as limited resources, insecurity in certain regions, and stakeholder resistance continues to pose huddles. However, the NBC remains committed to overcoming these obstacles through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.

Strategic Goals for 2025

As we look forward to the future, the NBC is committed to expanding its impact and ensuring sustainable management of Nigeria’s boundaries. Our strategic goals for 2025 include:

1. Accelerate the Resolution of Boundary Disputes: Strengthen collaborations with state governments, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to expedite dispute resolution and foster lasting peace.

2. Expand Public Awareness Campaigns: Roll out nationwide sensitization programs to educate citizens on the importance of boundaries in fostering unity and national development.

3. Strengthen Grassroots Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Equip local leaders and boundary communities with tools for resolving conflicts amicably and sustainably.

4. Enhance Technological Integration: Invest in advanced geospatial technologies, drones, and mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.

5. Promote Regional and International Cooperation: Advance cross-border agreements to enhance security, stimulate trade, and foster regional integration under the AfCFTA.

6. Bolster Capacity Building Initiatives: Organize specialized training sessions on maritime law, conflict resolution, and boundary management.

7. Operationalize the Extended Continental Shelf: Develop a roadmap for sustainable exploitation of maritime resources in compliance with international laws.

8. Strengthen Data Management Systems: Collaborate with NASRDARMFAC(REVENUE MODEL) and other agencies for a harmonized geospatial database.

9. Support Climate Resilience Along Boundaries: Implement projects addressing coastal erosion, desertification, and resource conflicts.

10. Foster Inclusive Participation: Ensure representation and inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups in decision-making processes.

Closing

I wish to use this occasion to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Government, State governments, traditional rulers, development partners, and our border communities for their unwavering support. I also would like to commend the Media for their unwavering support and for playing a critical role in disseminating accurate information and fostering public understanding of our mandate.

As we conclude this year, let us remember that boundaries are not just lines on a map but instruments of unity, growth, and development. Together, we can make 2025 even more impactful by building bridges of cooperation, ensuring peaceful coexistence, and unlocking the full potential of our nation and region.

Thank you for listening, and I look forward to your questions.