The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday called for renewed unity among Nigerian workers in the face of economic hardship and policy challenges.
Ajaero made the appeal during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja, while addressing the workers on the state of the labour movement.
The labour president described Nigerian workers as being at a crossroads amid a national crisis and a broader global assault on labour.
“The Nigerian worker stands against the backdrop of rising inequality, job losses, and deteriorating living standards.
“Capitalism continues to widen the gap between the rich and poor, while the state appears to enforce the policies of international financial institutions to the detriment of workers,” he said.
In spite of these challenges, he noted that the Nigerian labour movement remains the most vibrant in Africa, citing recent successes such as the negotiation of the National Minimum Wage and the growing unionisation of informal sector workers.
According to him, the expansion of union membership has strengthened the capacity of organised labour to engage the state and advocate for the rights of marginalised groups.
Ajaero emphasised that the struggle for workers’ rights must continue, particularly regarding the implementation of the N70,000 National Minimum Wage, which he said is being breached by several state governments and private sector employers.
“The law must be obeyed. We must begin a fresh push for not just compliance, but also for a comprehensive wage review to mitigate the hardship faced by Nigerian workers.”
He urged workers to remain resolute and committed to the cause of social justice.
“Our liberation will not be gifted, it must be won. The ruling class fears our unity, and we must continue to build a movement that demands its rightful share, not just crumbs,” Ajaero said.
Referencing historical sacrifices made by Nigerian workers, including those who died resisting slavery abroad, Ajaero called for collective defiance against poor governance, poverty, and injustice.
“No to hunger! No to hardship! No to bad governance! These must be our rallying cries,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming the duty of the trade union to be the voice of the voiceless.
“We must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity, and we must never be complicit,” he said.
