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Labour to FG: Stop Crippling Workers With Anti-Poor Policies

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Nigeria’s labor unions have warned the federal government to stop introducing policies that they say make life harder for ordinary citizens and workers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) accused the government of pushing anti-poor measures that increase hardship and worsen poverty.

Union leaders said on Thursday in Abuja that workers can no longer bear the weight of high fuel prices, rising taxes, and inflation. They urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to change course and adopt policies that protect low- and middle-income earners.

“The government must stop punishing Nigerians with policies that only benefit a few,” said NLC President Joe Ajaero. “Workers are suffering, families are struggling to feed, and young people see no hope for the future.”

Economic Pressures

Since the removal of fuel subsidies in mid-2023, Nigerians have faced sharp increases in transportation and food costs. Inflation hit record levels this year, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting food inflation at more than 30 percent.

Workers and small businesses say their earnings cannot keep up. Many families have cut down on meals and essentials.

The TUC said the federal government has failed to provide promised relief, such as cash transfers, subsidized transport, and food programs.

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“We were told that subsidy removal would bring long-term benefits,” said TUC President Festus Osifo. “But until today, workers only see suffering. Nothing has improved.”

Calls for Policy Change

Labour leaders demanded urgent steps from the government, including:

  • A new minimum wage that matches current inflation.
  • Subsidies for key items like food, electricity, and transport.
  • Investment in public infrastructure to reduce costs for workers.
  • An end to policies that increase taxes and levies on small businesses.

They also warned of possible strikes if government fails to act. The NLC has already threatened mass protests, saying workers cannot survive on empty promises.

Government’s Response

Officials in the Tinubu administration have defended subsidy removal and other reforms as necessary to save Nigeria’s economy. They say subsidies were draining government revenue and encouraging corruption.

Finance Minister Wale Edun said earlier this week that the reforms will attract foreign investment and strengthen the naira in the long run.

“The government understands the pain Nigerians are facing,” Edun said. “That is why we are working on targeted palliatives and social programs to support the most vulnerable.”

However, labour leaders argue that the promised palliatives have been slow, poorly planned, or not delivered at all.

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Wider Impact

Analysts warn that growing tension between the government and labour unions could destabilize the economy. A nationwide strike could shut down transport, power supply, schools, and banks.

Dr. Aisha Suleiman, an economist at the University of Abuja, said dialogue is urgently needed. “Workers feel ignored, and government feels pressured to keep reforms. Both sides must find common ground. Otherwise, the poor will continue to suffer.”

The NLC and TUC said they will give the government a short deadline to respond to their demands. If nothing changes, they plan to hold mass rallies across the country.

For many Nigerians, the issue is not just about fuel or wages. It is about survival.

“I work every day, but my salary finishes in one week,” said Chika Obi, a civil servant in Abuja. “How do we live like this? Government must listen.”

As pressure builds, the federal government faces a difficult choice: push forward with tough reforms or adjust policies to ease the burden on workers. For now, Nigeria’s labour unions say they are ready for a fight.

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“ADC Ex-Chairman Nwosu Speaks On Hotly Contested Presidential Ticket Zoning”.

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The founder and pioneer National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has said the party has not yet reached a final decision on zoning its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Nwosu made this known in an interview with Punch, while responding to calls by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the North to produce the next president.

He explained that the ADC currently maintains an open structure regarding its presidential ticket, giving all regions equal opportunity to contest.

According to him, “In ADC, it is open.”

Nwosu noted that zoning had been a subject of discussion during coalition negotiations, with some Northern stakeholders arguing for fairness based on political rotation since 1999.

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He said some young Northerners who visited him argued that since the return to democracy, power has been shared unevenly between the North and South, which influenced how he now views the debate.

He added that while he had not initially considered it from that angle, the argument reflects a political reality being discussed within the system.

On how the party intends to choose its presidential candidate, Nwosu said the ADC is considering two possible methods—consensus and direct primaries.

He explained that if stakeholders agree, a consensus arrangement would be adopted, but where disagreements arise, the party would proceed with direct primaries, and the winner would emerge as the flagbearer.

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Nwosu also disclosed that several prominent politicians have indicated willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate, regardless of outcome.

He mentioned figures such as Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi as those who have reportedly made such commitments, adding that he expects Rabiu Kwankwaso to also take a similar stance.

He stressed that transparency remains central to the ADC’s internal processes, noting that this principle guided the party’s leadership structure and decision-making.

According to him, the leadership arrangement, including the role of David Mark, was supported because of the need for credible and transparent primaries within the party.

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“2027: Kwankwaso Makes Double Appeal To Nigerians Ahead Of Elections”.

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Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on Nigerians both within the country and in the diaspora to actively participate in the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Kwankwaso, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the appeal in a video posted on his official handle on Monday night.

The former Kano State governor urged citizens, particularly young people, to complete their voter registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the polls.

He also encouraged Nigerians to register with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as the coalition party positions itself ahead of the 2027 elections.

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He said, “Fellow Nigerians, it is time for every eligible Nigerian young and old, in the cities and in the villages, at home and in the diaspora to take two decisive steps:

“Register to vote with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) without delay.

“Register with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

Meanwhile, a factional leader within the ADC, Nafi’u Bala Gombe, has dismissed any engagement with Kwankwaso, claiming his past actions towards the North make such discussions meaningless.

Speaking in an interview with Premier Radio in Kano, Gombe accused Kwankwaso of failing to act in the best interest of Northern Nigeria when he had the opportunity.

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He further alleged that Kwankwaso contributed to the region’s political setbacks, insisting he did not use his past positions to bring meaningful development.

Gombe said Kwankwaso once reached out with suggestions on solutions for the North, but he rejected the idea, accusing him of failing the region when it mattered most.

He also claimed that Kwankwaso’s participation in the last general election weakened the North’s political influence, especially with other major contenders in the race.

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“A Capital Under Watch: Inside U.S. Advisory And Nigeria’s Security Reality”.

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A few weeks ago, the United States Department of State approved the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The embassy explained that the directive was issued in response to what it described as a worsening security situation across Nigeria.

In an updated travel advisory released on April 8, 2026, U.S. citizens were urged to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

The advisory placed Nigeria at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while several states were categorised under “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

It also added Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba to the list of high-risk areas, bringing the total number of states under the “Do Not Travel” warning to 23.

According to the advisory, violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnappings for ransom remain widespread, with foreign nationals often targeted.

It further warned that terrorist attacks could occur in public places including markets, religious centres, hotels, and large gatherings, while also noting that healthcare services in the country are inconsistent and below global standards.

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reports that although no specific incident was cited in the latest update, the warning reflects broader concerns about security conditions in parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi described the development as troubling, calling it a “bad omen” that should be treated as a national emergency, especially at a time when Nigeria is seeking to attract foreign investment.

Activist Omoyele Sowore also questioned the advisory, expressing concern about the implications of the warning for the nation’s capital.

In response, the Federal Government said the advisory should not be interpreted as an indication of a collapse in security, describing it as a routine precaution based on internal procedures.

Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said the warning does not reflect the overall situation in the country, noting that Nigeria remains largely stable despite isolated security challenges.

He stressed that most parts of the country continue to function normally and are not experiencing widespread insecurity.

Recent developments in Abuja, however, have raised some concern, including reports of residents fleeing certain communities after threats of attacks by suspected armed groups, as well as intelligence warnings about possible attempts to target key infrastructure in the capital.

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Security agencies have also recorded arrests of suspected criminal networks and recovered stolen vehicles in ongoing operations across the city.

Similar travel advisories have been issued in the past by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, all pointing to persistent security concerns in Nigeria, particularly around Abuja due to its political significance.

A security expert noted that such advisories often reflect precautionary intelligence assessments rather than immediate threats, and are intended to prevent risks to personnel.

He explained that while they may not always signal an imminent danger, they are usually based on patterns of instability and are taken seriously by diplomatic missions.

The expert further advised residents to remain alert, stay aware of their surroundings, and avoid panic, while encouraging stronger coordination between security agencies and improved public safety measures to restore confidence.

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