Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),
says 2024 would go down as the most “turbulent” year for the union.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja, Ajaero said the threats and
intimidation faced by organised labour during the year was on an unprecedented
scale.
“I welcome you to a year that we have witnessed one of the
greatest turbulence in our history as a movement,” Ajaero said.
“It was a period where we were invaded, ransacked, and
subjected to the highest level of threats, intimidation.
“We believe that in those events, we have emerged stronger,
more resilient and better positioned to deliver on the expectations of Nigerian
workers and people.”
The NLC president said the threats and intimidation were
aimed at weakening the institution but have been largely unsuccessful.
“The articulation and protection of workers rights is our
primary responsibility, and anything we do that does not approximate to that
amounts to failure,” he said.
“We are, therefore, left with no other choice than to focus
with greater determination and zeal on this mission of making our working
places and our nation yield better results.”
Vanessa Phala, country director of the International Labour
Organisation (ILO), said organised unions must unite and engage governments to
find solutions to the challenges facing workers.
“We know that in spite of the newly negotiated minimum wage
that was approved, the rising cost of goods and services is really not making
it to have the impact that we want to see,” Phala said.
“I charge the conversation in the Harmattan school to focus
on identifying the kind of social contract that will take Nigeria forward.
“I expect that the conclusion of this school will identify
the priorities of the NLC and how it will engage in policy discussions with the
leadership of the country.”
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