NLC condemned economic difficulties, accusing the government of betraying workers

The President of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has greatly criticized the handling of government economic policies, accusing it burdening citizens with excessive taxation, tariff increases, and failures to uphold the agreement carried out with workers.

Speaking at the 6th Quadrennial Delegation Conference from the Nigerian Maritime Trade Union (MWUN) in Lagos on Friday, Ajuero expressed deep concern over the deteriorating economic conditions and swear that Nigerian workers would not remain silent in the face of difficulties.

Ajaero accused the government to prioritize the interests of the company over the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, failed to effectively regulate the economy, and ignore the rights of workers.

“We must refuse efforts to impose taxes to the people of Nigeria to death,” said Ajaero.

He regretted that, regardless of economic challenges, minimum wages were still applied in inconsistent, and federal workers had faced unfair salary reduction.

“These actions are not only unfair; they are betrayal of social contracts between the government and the people,” he said.

The President of the NLC praised Mwun’s leadership who came out under Adeyanju Adewale, acknowledged his contribution to protect the rights of maritime workers. He urged trade unions to elect leaders who will remain committed to fighting for fair wages and proper working conditions.

“New leadership must surpass the achievements of the past,” Ajaero emphasized.

Also read: NLC, Electric Workers Refuse to increase tariffs, threaten national protests

“This must bring the union to a higher level and ensure that workers will eventually win.”

Ajaero also warned the increase in authoritarian tendencies in government, emphasizing that the labor movement will not tolerate economic oppression or political dictatorship.

“We must reject the concentration of power in the hands of some and systematic subversion of the constitutional order,” he said.

“Political actors must operate within a democratic framework and prioritize the interests of the working class.”

He asked Nigerian workers to remain vigilant and united, promising that the NLC will continue to push back to policies that damage their welfare.

“Our struggle is not only about the maritime sector or MWun,” he said.

“This is a struggle for the soul of Nigeria – the struggle to build a country where the rights of workers are respected, where labor is valued fairly, and where the welfare of every citizen is prioritized.”

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