The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the recent increase in the price of petrol and other policies that are perceived as anti-poor. The NLC believes that these measures are tantamount to a war against Nigerian workers and the general population. Speaking at a four-day program for NLC state council leaders in Lagos, the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, stated that the Nigerian state has declared war on the working people and masses of the country.
Ajaero, represented by the Deputy President of Congress and President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, urged trade union leaders not to abandon Nigerian workers and people in their struggle. He emphasized the need for labor leaders to join forces in protecting the rights of Nigerian workers and citizens, with the hope that these rights will one day be restored.
Ajaero criticized the Nigerian government for trampling on the rights of its citizens without remorse, and politicians for oppressing workers and the masses without facing consequences. He argued that governance in Nigeria has become an instrument for inflicting pain and suffering on workers and the people. Ajaero highlighted the recent increase in the price of petrol, which he believes was done without proper dialogue among stakeholders and without providing alternative measures to cushion the impact on the people.
The NLC president called for immediate action to mediate the ongoing onslaught against workers and the masses, stating that continuing to impoverish workers and push millions into poverty is not a viable economic management strategy. He stressed that Nigerian workers and the masses should not bear the burden of ill-conceived policies and the fantasies of leaders, and that the NLC has the power to halt this mistreatment.
Ajaero also expressed concern over the abuses of workers’ rights in various workplaces, both in the public and private sectors. He called for the enforcement of labor laws and the protection of workers’ rights against acts of impunity by employers.
In conclusion, the NLC urged trade union leaders to stand up for the rights of workers and the people, and to take action to prevent further harm and injustice.
