By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, has expressed strong opposition to the proposed tax hike, particularly the upward review of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5%. The union through it General Secretary comrade Martin Adekunle Egbanubi, argued that Nigerians are already facing significant hardships and cannot afford further tax burdens.
The union expressed their thoughts during the 2 day Tax Reform public hearing, held in the National Assembly Complex Abuja.
“We stand on those presentations, especially the areas that have to do with reduction in the value added. We were not comfortable the increase from 5% abinitio, But we are not comfortable with the upward review from 7.5%,” the union representative stated.
“We don’t want any further upward review of these with the economy making impact on the people, especially now that you know, Nigeria workers and Nigeria as a whole are facing serious challenges.”
Egbanubi also emphasized the need for harmonization of taxes, citing the existence of multiple taxes that Nigerians are already paying. “We have multiple taxes, we are paying. And of course, that is why the certain aspect of harmonization of this bill is something that we need,” the representative explained.
Furthermore, they criticized organizations such as DSTV and MTN for increasing tariffs without consulting stakeholders.
“Organized labor has made its position and were against any form of tariff at these organizations, because, in fact, the pronouncement was made without consultation with stakeholders in the first instance,” the representative said.
The Allied Health Professionals also highlighted the importance of protecting workers’ rights, particularly in the context of international labor standards. “Convention 87 of the International Labor Organization confers on workers the right to organize and protest at work,” Egbanubi
“We also emphasized the importance of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TET Fund). These institutions were established due to the efforts of university workers, particularly the Association of Student Unions. Therefore, we advocate for the continuation of the TET Fund, while also pushing for improved funding and judicious use of the fund. This includes ensuring that the government agencies responsible for funding public universities utilize the funds effectively.”