The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, as well as other policies that are detrimental to the poor. NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that these actions were tantamount to waging war against Nigerian workers and the masses. He made these remarks at the opening ceremony of a four-day program for NLC state council leaders in the southern region, held in Lagos.
Represented by Deputy President of Congress and President-General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Prince Adewale Adeyanju, Ajaero emphasized the need for trade union leaders not to abandon the Nigerian people and workers in the face of these challenges. He urged labor leaders across the country to unite in the struggle to protect the rights of Nigerian workers and people, with the hope of reclaiming their natural rights that have been infringed upon by employers and government officials.
Ajaero expressed concern over the trampling of rights by various governments in Nigeria without remorse, and the collusion of politicians against workers and the masses without facing any consequences. He pointed out the paradoxical nature of governance in Nigeria, where it should serve the people but has instead become a tool for inflicting pain and suffering. The recent sharp increase in the price of PMS by the federal government under the guise of petroleum subsidy withdrawal was cited as an example of the government’s lack of consideration for the impact on the people.
Ajaero highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues, stating that the Nigerian state is at war with its own people. He emphasized that the continued impoverishment of workers and the increasing number of people living in dire conditions is not a form of sound economic management. He called on the NLC to take action and bring attention to the fact that punishing millions of Nigerians by rendering them poor is not an acceptable option.
The NLC president stressed that Nigerian workers and the masses should not bear the burden of ill-conceived policies and the indulgences of the rich. He urged the NLC to halt this trend and ensure that the rights and privileges of workers are respected in all workplaces. Ajaero condemned the acts of impunity by employers that violate labor laws and abuse the rights of workers, and called for an end to the prevailing culture of denying workers fair wages and benefits.
Ajaero emphasized the need for trade union leaders to stand up against these injustices and not allow the continued mistreatment of workers to persist. He urged Nigerian workers and comrades to unite and put an end to the ongoing exploitation and deprivation they face.
