Staff working on the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, Train 7 project have embarked on a protest in Bonny, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, over alleged irregular tax deductions.
The protest, led by workers under Daewoo Contractors, reportedly began with fitters and welders before spreading to include junior staff.
According to findings, each worker has been subjected to monthly deductions of about N150,000 for tax clearance over the past two years.
However, the aggrieved staff allege that despite the deductions made over the past two years, NLNG has not issued them their Tax Identification Numbers, TIN.
They further claimed that an audit uncovered anomalies showing that, despite the monthly deductions, the taxes were never remitted to the federal government
As a result, the workers are demanding the release of their TINs and a refund of the monies deducted over the last two years.
One of the protesting workers, a pipe welder, who spoke on condition of anonymity to DAILY POST, explained that the protest commenced on Monday, after repeated requests for clarification went unanswered.
He added that although the company asked the workers to appoint representatives for dialogue, the resolutions reached during then discussions have not been implemented.
In addition, one of the protesters accused their union of compromising the issue, alleging that union leaders had been aware of the situation for two years but remained silent because they were benefiting from
the “illegal taxation.”
More details soon…
Staff of NLNG Train 7 protest alleged illegal tax deductions
