Gladness Gideon
Organised Labour in Nigeria has issued a strong call to President Bola Tinubu, demanding the immediate reversal of what it terms the “unconstitutional suspension” of the elected government in Rivers State, allegedly enacted through the imposition of a state of emergency.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), speaking jointly at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja, condemned what they described as growing encroachments on democratic governance and civic freedoms.
In a bold address delivered by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, Labour denounced the perceived erosion of the civic space, urging both federal and state governments to halt actions that undermine democratic institutions and suppress dissenting voices.
“Our democracy must not be reduced to a charade,” the leaders said, calling for a new era of democratic accountability grounded in transparency, robust electoral reforms, and respect for citizen rights.
Addressing the insecurity plaguing the nation, Labour leaders decried ongoing violence and what they termed “genocidal killings” across various regions. They emphasized that safeguarding lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of any responsible government.
On economic matters, the unions took issue with a suite of proposed tax bills currently before the National Assembly. They argued that the legislation was drafted without consultation with organised Labour and disproportionately targets workers while giving the wealthy and corporate entities a pass.
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“These tax proposals are unjust. We demand their withdrawal until Nigerian workers have a seat at the policy table,” they declared.
The labour leaders also criticised the recent hike in telecommunication tariffs, demanding that the increase be scaled back from 50 percent to a more bearable 35 percent.
In line with the day’s broader theme of economic justice, Labour issued fresh demands including an immediate review of wages to match inflation, prompt payment of owed pensions, gratuities, and allowances nationwide, and the restoration of gratuity as a right for retirees.
They further called for an upward revision of the retirement age and an automatic adjustment of pensions in line with the rising cost of living.
The address concluded with a firm warning that failure to meet these demands would amount to a continued betrayal of Nigerian workers, whose endurance in the face of economic hardship, they said, should not be mistaken for complacency.