The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged Nigerians to join forces in fighting against government policies that have exacerbated hardship and hunger across the country. The NLC warned that failure to reverse the recent increase in fuel prices could have severe consequences, calling on citizens to resist the price hikes.
NLC President Joel Ajaero, represented by the Deputy President and President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Prince Adewale Adeyanju, made these remarks during the 2024 annual workshop organized by the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN). The event, themed “Challenges of Nigeria’s Economic Downturn: Survival Options for Workers,” highlighted the pressing issues affecting the country’s workforce.
Ajaero emphasized that Nigerian workers and citizens are currently facing a survival crisis, which he attributed to poorly conceived and poorly executed policies by the Tinubu-led federal government. “As we battle the forces holding back progress, we need your continuous support. It is your duty to keep informing Nigerians about the reality, as we confront the numerous threats of intimidation and harassment. Stand firm and refuse to be silenced,” he said.
He further pointed out that the hike in petrol prices, the devaluation of the naira, and constant increases in electricity tariffs have significantly worsened the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians. According to him, unchecked corruption and fiscal mismanagement have enabled political office holders to live in luxury while disregarding the suffering of the masses.
“The rise in petrol prices has triggered skyrocketing transportation and food costs, pushing household budgets to their limits. Additionally, the naira’s devaluation has diminished the purchasing power of the average Nigerian, making even basic needs increasingly out of reach,” Ajaero said. “Electricity tariffs are also on the rise, plunging many into darkness and crippling small businesses, which form the backbone of our economy.”
He criticized the rampant corruption draining resources intended for public use, contrasting it with the extravagant lifestyles of political elites. This growing inequality, Ajaero argued, threatens the stability of society.
Despite these challenges, the NLC has fought to secure a fair wage for Nigerian workers. Ajaero celebrated the recent agreement on the N70,000 national minimum wage, which he described as a victory for Nigerian workers. However, he noted that the implementation of this wage has been delayed, reflecting the ongoing struggle.
In closing, he called on all Nigerians to unite in the fight, just as they had during wage negotiations. “This struggle is not just for the NLC; it affects every one of us. We must pool our efforts to ensure victory at all levels—whether state or sectoral,” he urged.
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