The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the Federal Government and state governors of systematically crushing dissent, weakening democratic institutions, and stealing workers’ contributions.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this statement at the opening of the 21st Rain School of the NLC in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Ajaero accused the government of unlawfully seizing workers’ contributions, describing it as “stealing workers’ sweat”.
He emphasized that governance has been abandoned for 2027 politicking, leaving workers to bear the brunt of economic hardship and insecurity.
The NLC accused political leaders of repressing civic freedoms, looting funds meant for workers, and diverting focus from governance to early 2027 election campaigns.
The NLC has also warned state governors against borrowing or withdrawing N17 trillion from pension funds for infrastructural development.
According to the NLC, pension money is a contributory fund of workers and cannot be borrowed.
The labour union vowed to mobilize Nigerian workers nationwide to protest any move by governors to tamper with the savings .
The NLC has expressed dissatisfaction with the recently implemented ₦70,000 minimum wage, stating that it has not significantly improved workers’ welfare.
The union called for discussions on a living wage, citing rising costs of living and inflation rates.
Some state governors have also been accused of non-implementation of the new minimum wage.
Ajaero warned that Nigeria is tilting dangerously towards tyranny amid increasing attacks on civic freedoms.
He cited recent crackdowns on peaceful protests, increased surveillance of union activities, and the freezing of union accounts in certain states as evidence of an emerging culture of repression .
The NLC’s accusations against the Federal Government and state governors highlight the ongoing tensions between the labour union and the government.
The union’s concerns over pension funds, minimum wage implementation, and civic freedoms underscore the need for dialogue and resolution to address the welfare of Nigerian workers.
Ajaero described Nigeria as a democratic space, the very arena where citizens, especially the working class, face an assault on their rights to free speech, assembly, and participation in governance.
According to him, the ongoing clampdown on civic freedoms and union activities is a calculated effort to silence the voices of Nigerian workers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Governance has been abandoned for 2027 politicking. Leaders who should be working to alleviate suffering are instead consumed by power games, leaving workers and ordinary Nigerians to bear the brunt of economic hardship and mounting insecurity, all imposed by their policies,” he said.