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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed its dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on July 31, stating that it was out of touch with the reality of the hardships and suffering faced by most Nigerians.
In a statement signed by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, the union highlighted several key points of concern. Firstly, the NLC expected President Tinubu to address the resuscitation of Nigeria’s public refineries, which have been dormant for years and contribute significantly to the subsidy issue. However, the speech remained entirely silent on this critical matter.
Secondly, the NLC criticized the failure to identify those responsible for looting Nigeria’s wealth under the guise of petrol subsidy. The union expressed dismay at President Tinubu’s characterization of these individuals as the “elites of the elites” while not taking firm action to bring them to justice and recover stolen assets.
Thirdly, the NLC pointed out the discrepancy between President Tinubu’s call to work with Organised Labour to review the national minimum wage and the government’s lack of commitment to engaging in meaningful negotiations. The sub-committee on wage award had not been inaugurated or convened, leaving workers in a precarious position amidst hyperinflation and suffering due to the hasty removal of the petrol subsidy.
Furthermore, the NLC questioned the efficacy of the government’s promises of interventions through palliatives, loans, and conditional grants, citing a history of unfulfilled pledges that failed to improve the lives of citizens.
The NLC found it incomprehensible that crucial issues related to petrol subsidy removal, such as repairing national refineries and holding accountable those responsible for subsidy-related corruption, were ignored in President Tinubu’s speech.
The union assured Nigerians of its continued commitment to engage in discussions with the government while acknowledging the current realities of citizens’ suffering. However, the NLC emphasized that genuine commitment from the government to address these pressing concerns was necessary to bring about meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians and workers. Until such commitment is demonstrated, the NLC reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for the betterment of Nigerian citizens and alleviating their hardships.
