RismadarVoice Reporters
November 5, 2026
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, warned that weakening organised labour would affect more than workers, leaving millions of Nigerians with fewer opportunities to challenge policies that affect their livelihoods and welfare.
Ajaero gave the warning in Lagos during the 2026 Annual Conference of the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN), themed Workers at the Centre of Nigeria’s Political Transition: Defending Rights, Advancing Welfare and Building Economic Justice.
He maintained that organised labour remained an important platform for defending workers’ rights, promoting economic justice and advocating policies that benefit the wider population.
According to him, the labour movement’s responsibilities extend beyond negotiating salaries and workplace conditions to addressing economic policies affecting ordinary citizens.
Ajaero argued that Nigerians facing rising transportation costs, food prices and other financial pressures should actively support collective efforts to address such challenges rather than expecting trade unions to act alone.
He stressed that affordable transportation, improved living conditions and stronger social protections would benefit workers, traders, business owners and other members of society.
The NLC president also recalled the historical contributions of trade unions, students and civil society organisations to Nigeria’s democratic development and the defence of civic freedoms.
He cited the 1929 Aba Women’s protest against colonial taxation as an example of collective resistance to policies considered unjust.
Drawing parallels with contemporary economic challenges, Ajaero urged Nigerians to recognise solidarity and public participation as important instruments for protecting shared interests.
He further argued that improving workers’ earnings could stimulate economic activity by increasing household purchasing power.
According to him, workers spend substantial portions of their salaries on food, transportation, housing and other necessities, thereby supporting traders, transport operators, landlords and small businesses.
He maintained that wages reflecting prevailing living costs would strengthen domestic demand and contribute to economic development.
Ajaero therefore called on government authorities to consider improvements in workers’ real incomes as part of broader economic policy rather than solely a labour demand.
He also urged stronger cooperation between organised labour and the public, warning that declining support for trade unions could weaken collective representation.
The NLC president maintained that defending workers’ welfare and preserving organised labour should remain shared responsibilities because the economic and social issues involved affect Nigerians across different occupations and income groups.
