…affirms commitment to workers’ welfare
BOMA DIPRIYE
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vehemently criticised recent remarks made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), condemning the characterisation of the nationwide strike as a “treasonable felony” and “economic sabotage.”
In a press statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Affairs at the NLC, Benson Upah, the Congress expressed profound disappointment over the SGF’s comments, citing them as detrimental to constructive dialogue.
According to Upah, the demands put forth by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are grounded in the pursuit of economic justice and fairness for Nigerian workers.
“The demands of the NLC and TUC are clear and just. We seek the conclusion and signing into law of a new national minimum wage that is in sync with the realities of the cost of living, a reversal of the hike in electricity tariff to ₦65/kWh, and an end to the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into bands. These demands are grounded in the need for economic justice and fairness for all Nigerian workers and citizens.
“The SGF we are sure clearly knows those whose actions are treasonable and sabotages our economy. Those who loot our treasury around the country, those who divert public resources meant for hospitals and schools; those who are involved in foreign exchange roundtripping; padding of budgets and inflating contracts including those who steal trillions of Naira in the name of subsidy are the real Economic saboteurs who commit treasonable felony. These people are in costly Agbada and drive in convoys all around the nation occupying the corridors of power and not innocent workers who are not slaves but chose to withdraw their services because of the inhuman treatment meted on them by the Government.” he stated.
The NLC’s statement rebuked the SGF’s remarks, highlighting the disparity between the government’s perception and the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians.
“It is particularly disheartening that the SGF, a high-ranking government official, would make statements that trivialize the genuine grievances of Nigerian workers.
“His assertion that he can not afford to pay each of his four drivers ₦100,000 monthly is a stark reminder of the disconnect between the government and the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians,” Upah emphasized.
Furthermore, the NLC criticized the SGF’s handling of negotiations, citing instances of intimidation and violation of workers’ rights.
“The events of last week, where labour leaders were surrounded by military personnel during a negotiation exercise in the SGF’s office, were a clear violation of our rights,” Upah asserted, calling for a retraction of the SGF’s statements and a commitment to genuine dialogue.
The statement also underscored the importance of strikes as a legitimate civic duty and a tool for holding governance accountable. “Strikes are not only legal but also a civic duty,” Upah stated, emphasizing the role of workers in shaping democratic processes and preventing dictatorship.
Amid concerns over the safety of labour leaders, the NLC called for reassurance from the government regarding the purpose of military presence during negotiations. “We truly fear for the safety of the lives of our leaders and would want to be reassured to the contrary,” Upah expressed, urging the government to engage in good faith negotiations.
However, the NLC reiterated its unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers.
“Our commitment is to Nigeria, Nigerian workers, and people, and this will continue driving our engagement,” Upah affirmed, signaling the organisation’s resolve to pursue its demands through legitimate means.
