The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise Nigerians’s welfare.
This appeal was made by NLC President Joe Ajaero in a communiqué co-signed by NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, following an emergency meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The meeting, convened by the National Executive Council (NEC), was focused on evaluating the welfare of Nigerian workers and the broader population amidst growing economic challenges.
Ajaero emphasized that the NEC demanded a reversal of what they described as “ill-conceived policies” responsible for the current economic crisis.
The NEC also called for an independent investigation into the recent incidents of violence against protesters, stressing the need for accountability.
“Those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their families,” Ajaero stated. He also urged the immediate release of all peaceful protesters who are being unlawfully detained.
Furthermore, Ajaero encouraged the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to address the nation’s concerns.
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He stressed the necessity of immediate relief measures to alleviate the hardships faced by workers and the general populace, including direct food aid, subsidies on essential commodities, and other social safety nets.
The communiqué also criticized attempts by government officials, particularly the Minister of Labour and the Registrar of Trade Unions, to limit the political participation rights of workers and trade unions.
The NEC demanded the withdrawal of what it described as an “insensitive and misplaced” advisory from the Registrar of Trade Unions, warning that failure to do so could lead to an industrial crisis.
Finally, Ajaero urged all Nigerian workers to remain united and resolute in their pursuit of better governance. “Solidarity is our strength, and together, we can amplify the voices of the people and demand justice and accountability,” he said.
He also reminded workers to stay safe during protests, maintaining a commitment to non-violence and lawful actions.
