Joe Ajaero: 2024 most turbulent year for NLC… we were threatened, intimidated

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.”