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