As Nigerians celebrate Christmas 2025, President Bola Tinubu and several state governors delivered messages of peace, unity, and tolerance, while the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) used the occasion to voice strong opposition to what it calls unfair and unjust tax policies.
Tinubu’s Christmas Message Focuses on Unity and Religious Tolerance
In his Christmas address, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious freedom, national unity, and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria’s diverse communities. He highlighted religious tolerance as a core national value that should bind citizens together despite ethnic and faith differences.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith,” the President said, noting that all Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.
Tinubu described Christmas as a season of hope, urging Nigerians to reflect on shared values of love, compassion, and service. He also thanked Christian citizens for their contributions to national development and wished travellers safe journeys during the festive period.
Several state governors echoed these themes in their own messages, calling on residents to embrace love, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence during the festive period and into the new year.
NLC Rejects Unfair Taxation, Calls for Social Justice
In a contrasting message, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) acknowledged the hardships many Nigerians face — including economic strain and policies perceived to inflict suffering — and urged workers and citizens to reject tax reforms that exclude their interests.
The labour union said that hope is alive, but not through passive sentiment; rather, it must be built through collective action and unity. Citing the need for “tax justice,” the NLC insisted that any tax system that does not include workers in its formulation should be rejected.
“We must insist on tax justice where the rich pay their fair share and all forms of regressive taxation are removed,” stated NLC President Joe Ajaero. The union called for a fairer tax system crafted through broad consultation that protects workers’ interests.
Beyond taxation, the NLC urged Nigerians to demand access to quality healthcare, education, and security, while resisting policies that undermine dignity and economic opportunity for the majority.
A Festive Call for Unity and Collective Action
While Tinubu and state governors emphasised peace, unity and religious harmony, the NLC’s message brought attention to socio-economic concerns, urging citizens to maintain unity in the face of policy challenges and to advocate for fairness and inclusion.
As the nation enters 2026, the dual themes of peaceful coexistence and collective action underscore ongoing national conversations about governance, economic policy, and citizen engagement in shaping Nigeria’s future.
