ASABA — The Delta State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have officially appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene in a recent Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax increment. Organized Labour warns that the new tax deductions have effectively “made nonsense” of the recent minimum wage salary increases.
In a formal letter dated February 2, 2026, signed by Comrade Enekhawore Acrobat (Secretary, NLC) and Comrade Okafor Henry (Secretary, SPUC), the unions highlighted a sharp shift in worker morale. While civil servants had been celebrating the salary adjustments implemented in October 2024, the January 2026 pay cycle introduced a heavy tax burden that has left many disillusioned.
“With the implementation of the New Tax Regime, most workers’ take-home pay has returned to negative levels. This development has left workers disoriented, hindering their ability to carry out their duties effectively.”
The unions reported that since the January salaries were disbursed, leadership offices have been “besieged” by aggrieved workers. There is mounting agitation as workers demand urgent union action to address the disappearing gains of the New Minimum Wage, noting that the financial dip is significantly affecting productivity.
While acknowledging the state’s significant wage bill and the importance of taxes for regional development, Organized Labour urged the Governor to find a middle ground. The unions argued that the implementation of the National Tax Law should be handled with a “human face” to ensure the survival of the workers it serves. They concluded the letter by appealing to the Governor’s “good office” to intervene and ameliorate the current hardship.
