The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Delta State have expressed concern over the noticeable increase in Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) deductions from the salaries of public sector workers following the implementation of a new tax law in the state.
In a joint press statement issued on Monday, January 27, 2026, the two labour centres acknowledged growing agitation and restiveness among workers who have been affected by the new tax regime.
The statement, jointly signed by the Delta State Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Enekhawore Acrobat, and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Okafor Henry, noted that labour leaders are already studying the template being used for the implementation of the tax law with a view to taking an informed position.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress in Delta State are aware that with the implementation of the new tax law, there has been a significant increase in the PAYE of workers in the public service, which has made some workers agitated and restive,” the statement said.
While acknowledging workers’ concerns, the unions appealed for calm, assuring members that the issue is receiving serious attention.
“Labour is studying the template used in implementing the tax regime and will come out with a position as soon as possible,” the statement added.
The NLC and TUC further urged workers across the state to remain law-abiding, hardworking and committed to the policies of the state government, particularly the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
“Workers in the state are therefore urged to remain calm, law-abiding and hardworking, and to continue to be committed to the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Oborevwori-led administration,” the labour leaders stated.
Reaffirming their mandate to protect workers’ interests, the unions pledged to pursue dialogue and constructive engagement with the Delta State Government and relevant tax authorities to address the situation.
“While labour will take necessary steps to resolve the issue through dialogue and constructive engagements, the welfare of workers in Delta State remains our utmost priority,” the statement emphasized.
The labour centres also made it clear that they would not allow workers to be unduly burdened by the new tax regime.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress will engage the state government and relevant authorities responsible for implementing the tax reforms to ensure that workers are not overtaxed,” they assured.
The development comes amid broader national conversations on tax reforms and their impact on workers’ take-home pay, with labour unions in several states calling for transparency, fairness and adequate consultation in the implementation of fiscal policies.
For now, organised labour in Delta State has appealed for patience as discussions continue, promising to keep workers informed of any resolutions reached with the government.
