Staff on the NLNG Train 7 project in Bonny, Rivers State, staged a protest over suspected irregular tax deductions. The action, led by workers employed by Daewoo Contractors, reportedly began with fitters and welders and later expanded to involve junior staff. Investigations indicate that each worker has faced monthly deductions of around N150,000 for tax clearance over the past two years, yet the aggrieved employees claim NLNG has not issued them their Tax Identification Numbers (TINs). They also said an audit revealed irregularities showing that, despite the monthly deductions, the taxes were not remitted to the federal government. Consequently, the workers are demanding the release of their TINs and a refund of the deductions taken in the last two years. A pipe welder among the protesters, who spoke to BASEMEDIA on condition of anonymity, explained that the demonstration began on Monday after repeated requests for clarification went unanswered. He added that although the company asked workers to appoint representatives for dialogue, the resolutions reached in those discussions have not been implemented. Additionally, one protester accused their union of complicity, alleging that union leaders had been aware of the issue for two years but stayed silent because they were benefiting from the “illegal taxation.”
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