THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has decried the worsening economic and security conditions in the country, saying ordinary Nigerians are bearing the brunt of government policies and rising insecurity.
In a Sallah message released ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said workers and low-income Nigerians were “bleeding” under neoliberal economic policies that have pushed more citizens into poverty.
The union stated that millions of Nigerians are struggling with severe hardship caused by policies such as petrol subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalisation.
It urged political leaders to reflect on how their economic decisions are affecting citizens.
The labour body also encouraged Nigerians to use the Eid season not only for prayers and celebrations but also for political awareness, grassroots mobilisation, and unity among oppressed groups.
According to the NLC, governance should prioritise the welfare of citizens by ensuring access to food, shelter, healthcare, education, and decent employment rather than focusing on policies that favour profits over people.
The union’s comments come amid increasing criticism from labour groups and civil society organisations over the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
While the government and international financial institutions have defended the reforms as necessary for economic stability and investment growth, many Nigerians continue to face rising inflation, expensive transportation, higher food prices, and declining purchasing power.
The NLC also blamed worsening insecurity: including kidnappings, banditry, communal clashes, and urban violence on what it described as failures in governance, warning that the situation has further deepened hardship across the country.
The union accused political leaders of demanding sacrifices from citizens while failing to show discipline in public spending and leadership conduct.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the labour union signalled a stronger political stance, saying workers and ordinary Nigerians would hold leaders accountable through the ballot box.
According to the NLC, the next election could become a turning point where workers, unemployed youths, traders, and other vulnerable citizens unite against policies they consider anti-people.
“We are entering a phase where every vote must be a weapon against hunger, insecurity, and exploitation,” the union stated.
