Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero has accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of shutting out the labour union, alleging that repeated attempts to engage the government have largely failed. Ajaero made these comments during the latest episode of Mic On Podcast. He reflected on the NLC's planned nationwide demonstration in December 2025. The NLC had written to Tinubu several times between May and December 2025 seeking engagement but received no response.
According to Ajaero, the lack of response from the government pushed the NLC to announce a nationwide protest scheduled to begin on December 17, 2025. He stated that the government's aloofness has hindered meaningful dialogue. Ajaero emphasized that engagement is crucial for resolving issues, saying it's only when people engage that they can discuss and agree on issues. The NLC's decision to protest was a result of the government's failure to respond.
Ajaero revealed that the situation changed temporarily after some state governors intervened and facilitated a meeting between the labour leadership and government representatives. The governors' intervention led to some communication between the parties. However, Ajaero alleged that the issues raised by labour have largely remained unresolved since December last year. The NLC had expected a more constructive engagement.
The labour tensions have been renewed after public servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council embarked on a three-day warning strike. The council had demanded a reduction in petrol prices to ₦500 per litre and approval of a new wage award for workers. They threatened industrial action if the Federal Government failed to act. The strike is a sign of escalating labour tensions.
Ajaero's comments have sparked concerns about the relationship between the government and organised labour. The NLC President alleged that the government has been unresponsive to labour's concerns. He stated that everybody is now an enemy of the government, implying a breakdown in trust. The situation calls for urgent attention to prevent further escalation.
The government's response to the allegations is still pending. However, the intervention of state governors has been seen as a positive step towards resolving the issues. Ajaero acknowledged that some governors have been engaging with the labour leadership. This development may help to ease tensions and create a platform for dialogue.
The Nigeria Labour Congress is yet to announce a new plan for its nationwide protest. However, Ajaero's comments have highlighted the need for the government to engage with organised labour. The issues raised by labour remain unresolved, and a more constructive engagement is necessary to prevent further industrial action. The government must take steps to address labour's concerns.
Key points
- The Nigeria Labour Congress accuses President Bola Tinubu's administration of shutting out the labour union.
- The NLC had planned a nationwide protest in December 2025 due to the government's failure to respond to their concerns.
- State governors have intervened, facilitating a meeting between the labour leadership and government representatives.
