In a recent statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, asserting that it failed to fulfill promises made to workers in 2023. Ajaero expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s lack of adherence to agreements with Nigerian workers, despite the patience demonstrated by labour unions.
Ajaero highlighted that union members had faced uncertainties, overcome obstacles, and experienced moments that may have left them feeling disheartened. The NLC President specifically pointed out three unfulfilled promises by the government: the failure to implement the promised N35,000 provisional wage for three months, the non-completion of the Port Harcourt refinery, and the lack of implementation of the Compressed Natural Gas initiative.
He questioned the faithful implementation of these promises, stating, “Whether these have been faithfully implemented is open to every discerning Nigerian.” Ajaero lamented that the N35,000 Wage Award had not been faithfully implemented, the Port Harcourt refinery had not come on stream as projected, and the National Minimum Wage Negotiation Council had not been inaugurated as agreed. He also accused government agents of distorting the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project for the benefit of a few.
This statement comes after the organized labour, comprising the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC), declared a nationwide strike in September over the removal of fuel subsidy. The NLC’s criticism adds to the growing discontent over unmet promises and perceived unfaithfulness by the government to the Nigerian workforce.
