In a recent Sallah message marking the Eid-el-Kabir festival, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by President Joe Ajaero, issued a scathing critique of the current administration. The union described the prevailing economic and security climate as dire, asserting that the country’s most vulnerable citizens and the working class are “bleeding” due to what it labeled as “anti-people” neoliberal policies.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The NLC argued that government reforms—specifically the removal of the petrol subsidy and the liberalization of the foreign exchange market—have triggered skyrocketing inflation and unsustainable costs for food and transportation, severely eroding household purchasing power. Furthermore, the union slammed the government’s approach to security, citing persistent issues like banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence as clear indicators of a failing governance model that has left Nigerians living in constant fear and uncertainty.

Contrasting the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir—a season of sacrifice and obedience—with the current political climate, the NLC accused public officials of demanding austerity from the masses while failing to curb their own excessive public spending. The union emphasized that true leadership requires prioritizing the welfare of the majority over corporate or elite profit, calling for an urgent shift toward providing basic necessities like food, healthcare, and stable employment.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the NLC issued a stern warning to political leaders: the electorate will not forget these hardships. The union called on workers, artisans, and unemployed youth to view the upcoming election cycle as a critical opportunity to hold the government accountable. Declaring that “every vote must be a weapon against hunger, insecurity, and exploitation,” the NLC urged citizens to engage in political education and grassroots mobilization to build a united front, ensuring that future leadership is committed to protecting the dignity and safety of all Nigerians.