Nigerian labour union flays FG over failed promises to workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government of being unfaithful in its promises to workers in 2023.

The organized labour in a statement by its president, Joe Ajaero, condemned the federal government for not keeping to promises with Nigerian workers in the face of biting economic realities.

Comrade Ajaero pointed out that members “have faced uncertainties, overcome obstacles, and witnessed moments that may have left them feeling disheartened.”

He berated the government for not living up to expectations in fulfilling a provisional wage for three months, completing the Port Harcourt refinery, and implementing the Compressed Natural Gas initiative as promised by the government.

“Whether these have been faithfully implemented is open to every discerning Nigerian.

“The N35,000 Wage Award has not been faithfully implemented; the Port Harcourt PH refinery has not come on stream as projected while the National Minimum Wage Negotiation Council has not been inaugurated as agreed; agents of government have distorted the Compressed Natural Gas CNG project for the benefit of a few,” he said.

In September 2023, organized labour unions in the country, comprising the NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, ended their indefinite nationwide strike over fuel subsidy removal among other demands, following a direct intervention by the Nigerian government.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commenced a daring reform in Africa’s most populous nation by ending the costly subsidy on petrol and foreign exchange controls.

Despite the gradual reforms, the country’s inflation stood at its record level for more than five, causing concerns for many citizens.