Tinubu Christmas Message

Christmas Messages: Tinubu and Governors Advocate for Unity as NLC Denounces Unfair Taxation

Nigeria's Christmas celebration in 2025 was marked by significant national sentiments from political figures, state governors, and organized labor, focusing on unity, peace, religious acceptance, and social justice during the festive period. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with several governors, encouraged Nigerians to maintain hope and solidarity, while the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) seized the occasion to openly reject what it termed unfair and oppressive taxation policies.

‎These messages mirrored a country grappling with faith, celebration, economic challenges, and governance matters, turning Christmas 2025 into not just a religious observance but also a time for national contemplation.

‎Tinubu's Christmas Message: Promoting Unity Beyond Religion

‎‎In his Christmas address to the nation, President Bola Tinubu underscored the necessity for peaceful coexistence and national unity, affirming that Nigeria’s diversity should be viewed as a source of strength rather than division.

‎He urged Nigerians to transcend ethnic and religious divisions, highlighting that Christmas embodies love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and hope—principles that should guide the nation’s path forward.

‎‎The President reassured Christians of his pledge to uphold religious freedom and constitutional rights, asserting that no citizen should be discriminated against based on their beliefs. He encouraged Nigerians to utilize the festive season to pray for their country and assist one another amid economic hardships.

‎‎Tinubu also recognized the sacrifices of Nigerians, especially workers, families, and security personnel, advocating for patience as the government strives to stabilize the economy and tackle insecurity.

‎‎Governors Join the Call for Peace and Cohesion

‎‎Across Nigeria, governors resonated with similar pleas for unity, tolerance, and compassion, calling on citizens to foster peaceful interactions within their communities.

‎Delta State

‎‎Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State urged inhabitants to embody the true essence of Christmas by extending love to one another and aiding those in need, emphasizing that peace and unity are crucial for sustainable growth.

‎‎Bayelsa State

‎‎Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa described Christmas as a reminder of common humanity, encouraging residents to maintain hope in spite of economic struggles and to refrain from actions that might disrupt peace.

‎‎Katsina State

‎‎Governor Dikko Radda called for reflection on the values of sacrifice and forgiveness, promoting unity among individuals of differing religious backgrounds in the state.

‎Other States

‎Governors in Ondo, Adamawa, Sokoto, and more also advocated for harmony, tolerance, and prayers for national stability, urging citizens to uphold the law during celebrations and contribute to peace-building initiatives.

‎Overall, the governors’ addresses centered on national recovery, community collaboration, and faith-based optimism amid rising inflation, insecurity, and unemployment.

‎‎NLC's Christmas Message: A Denunciation of Unfair Taxation

‎‎While political leaders focused on unity and peace, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) presented a more critical Christmas message, cautioning against economic strategies believed to exacerbate the hardships faced by Nigerian workers.

‎The NLC firmly opposed tax proposals slated to be implemented in 2026, labeling them as regressive, unjust, and detrimental to workers. The labor union argued that imposing new tax burdens without sufficient consultation and social safeguards would worsen poverty and inequality.

‎‎NLC President Joe Ajaero declared that Christmas should embody not just celebration but also justice, fairness, and accountability, asserting that tax policies must align with the realities faced by workers, many of whom struggle with escalating food prices, fuel costs, and stagnant wages.

‎‎The union insisted that workers should not bear the weight of economic mismanagement, advocating for a fair taxation system that places a higher burden on the wealthy and corporations.

‎‎Advocacy for Social Justice and Workers’ Welfare

‎‎Beyond taxation, the NLC’s Christmas message emphasized broader social justice issues, including:

‎• ‎Living wages for workers

‎• Access to affordable healthcare and education

‎• Enhanced security nationwide

‎• ‎Protection of labor rights

‎• Economic policies that include all

‎‎The union called on the government to prioritize open dialogue and consultation before enacting policies that directly impact workers’ livelihoods.

‎According to the NLC, authentic national unity cannot be achieved without economic justice and social equity, warning that neglecting workers’ issues may result in unrest.

‎‎A Christmas of Reflection for Nigeria

‎Christmas 2025 in Nigeria transcended being merely a religious festival. It became a reflection of the nation’s aspirations, challenges, and ongoing debates. Political leaders emphasized unity, tolerance, and peace.