2024 Was a Year of Invasion, Threats, and Turmoil for NLC – Ajaero
On Monday in Abuja, Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), claimed that 2024 would be remembered as one of the most “turbulent” years in the union’s history.
Ajaero’s remarks came as he reflected on the immense challenges faced by organised labour, including a wave of threats and intimidation on an unprecedented scale.
“We have witnessed one of the greatest periods of turbulence in our history as a movement,” Ajaero said. “This year has seen us invaded, ransacked, and subjected to threats like never before.”
Despite the aggressive efforts aimed at undermining the NLC, Ajaero asserted that the union had emerged stronger and more resilient.
“We believe that, through these challenges, we have become better equipped to meet the expectations of Nigerian workers and the people.”
The NLC president explained that these attempts to weaken the institution were largely unsuccessful, reinforcing the union’s commitment to its core mission: the protection and advancement of workers’ rights.
“The protection of workers’ rights is our primary responsibility,” Ajaero emphasized.
“Anything that falls short of this mission is a failure. We have no choice but to continue our work with even more determination and zeal to ensure better results for both our workplaces and our nation.”
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Echoing Ajaero’s sentiments, Vanessa Phala, the Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), urged unions to unite and collaborate with the government to address the mounting challenges faced by workers.
Phala acknowledged the newly approved minimum wage but stressed that the rising cost of living was eroding its impact.
“Despite the increase in the minimum wage, the rising cost of goods and services is still making it difficult to see the desired positive effects,” she said.
Phala also called for a broader conversation on the social contract that will help Nigeria move forward. “The Harmattan school should focus on identifying the kind of social contract that will take Nigeria forward,” she stated, emphasizing that the outcome of the discussions should provide clear priorities for the NLC and pave the way for deeper policy discussions with the country’s leadership.
