The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong statement demanding urgent action to address the worsening economic crisis, workers’ rights violations, and key challenges affecting Nigerian workers.
In a communiqué released following their meeting in Port Harcourt on Friday, November 8, 2024, and sent to Africa Health Report, AHR on Sunday, the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero outlined several critical resolutions.
One of the most pressing issues discussed was the accelerating economic hardship facing Nigerian citizens. “Inflation is out of control, and basic necessities are increasingly out of reach for the average worker. Millions are trapped in poverty,” Ajaero said.
The NLC is calling for immediate government intervention, including a comprehensive review of wages to reflect the true cost of living.
The NEC also condemned the military’s occupation of the Oritsetimeyin oil rig and called for the withdrawal of forces currently occupying the site. “We demand the immediate restoration of the workers who were forcefully removed,” Ajaero added, emphasising the need for adherence to previously signed agreements.
On the issue of fuel pricing, the NLC expressed concern over what it described as “shenanigans” within the oil industry, pointing to unfair price increases and the monopolistic control of the sector.
Ajaero demanded that public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna be activated to break this control.
The Council also addressed ongoing political instability in Rivers State, where a court order has blocked the disbursement of revenue meant for workers’ welfare.
Ajaero called for the resolution of this issue, warning that any continued political interference could further harm Nigerian workers.
The NLC threatened industrial action in states failing to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage by the end of November. “If not implemented by December 1, 2024, we will go on strike,” Ajaero said, signalling the Congress’s commitment to fighting for workers’ rights.
The meeting concluded with a call for greater protections of workers’ rights, including the release of detained protesters and the provision of more affordable transportation options for workers.
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