The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have voiced scathing criticism of the state of affairs under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing life for citizens as “terrible and miserable.” Their sentiments were expressed in separate statements issued by Benson Upah, the Head of Information and Public Affairs of NLC, and Festus Osifo, the President of TUC, as Nigeria commemorated the International Workers’ Day.
Both labour unions lamented the profound economic hardship endured by workers and citizens amidst escalating challenges, including rising inflation, a foreign exchange crisis, food inflation, and an energy crisis. Upah underscored the significant deterioration in living standards under Tinubu’s administration, attributing it to government policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies, currency instability, and tariff hikes.
The spokesperson for NLC urged President Tinubu to reconsider these policies, emphasizing their detrimental impact on Nigerian workers. He highlighted the adverse effects of policy decisions on inflation rates, currency devaluation, and the overall economic stability of the nation. Expressing suspicion that these policies may be externally influenced, Upah urged the president to reassess his approach for the well-being of Nigerian citizens.
Meanwhile, President Osifo of TUC echoed similar sentiments during a Pre-May Day Lecture held in Abuja, calling on both federal and state governments to prioritize workers’ welfare. He emphasized the theme of the 2024 May Day celebration, titled “Workers First,” stressing the importance of placing the welfare and interests of citizens at the forefront of government policies.
Represented by Comrade Eitm Okon at the event, Osifo emphasized the need to prioritize people’s welfare and the pivotal role of workers in driving national development. He criticized instances where government policies neglected the welfare of citizens, citing the unilateral increase in electricity tariffs without due process or consultation with stakeholders.
The remarks from NLC and TUC underscore a growing discontentment with the prevailing economic conditions and government policies in Nigeria. As citizens continue to grapple with mounting challenges, including inflation and energy crises, there is a heightened call for government accountability and prioritization of citizens’ welfare in policy formulation and implementation.