The Nigeria Labour Congress has criticised Nigeria’s worsening economic and security conditions, saying millions of citizens were enduring severe hardship under policies that have deepened poverty and insecurity across the country.
In a Sallah message issued on Wednesday ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the labour union said Nigerian workers and the poor were bleeding under the weight of neoliberal policies, while calling on political leaders to reflect on the consequences of their economic decisions.
The statement, signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said governance should focus on protecting lives and providing citizens with basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, education, and decent jobs rather than pursuing policies that favour profits over people.
“As we mark Eid-el-Kabir, a festival of sacrifice and obedience, the NLC reminds all Nigerians that this celebration should be different,” the union said. “The working class and the poor majority are bleeding under the weight of neoliberal policies.”
The comments add to growing criticism from labour groups and civil society organisations over the economic impact of reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of petrol subsidies and foreign exchange liberalisation, measures authorities say are necessary to stabilise public finances and attract investment.
