NLC Declares 2024 Most Challenging Year for Nigerian Workers
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described 2024 as a particularly difficult year for workers in Nigeria, citing widespread economic hardships and significant threats to labor rights.
NLC President Joe Ajaero made the remarks during the 2024 Harmattan School, held in Abuja on Monday. The annual event, themed “Trade Unions and the Quest for a New Social Contract,” is designed to build capacity and foster strategic planning within the labor movement.
Ajaero reflected on the challenges faced by Nigerian workers throughout the year, describing it as a period of turbulence marked by threats, intimidation, and attempts to undermine the labor movement. Despite these obstacles, he emphasized that the NLC had emerged stronger and more resilient, ready to continue advocating for workers’ rights.
He urged participants to actively engage in the Harmattan School discussions, which aim to assess the year’s challenges and develop strategies for negotiating a new social contract that prioritizes workers’ welfare. He reiterated the NLC’s commitment to ensuring that workplaces and the broader economy yield better outcomes for Nigerian workers.
International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Director Vanessa Phala also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of unity among trade unions. She called for a social contract that is inclusive and focused on rebuilding trust in institutions. Phala acknowledged that the recently approved minimum wage had yet to significantly impact workers’ lives due to rising costs of goods and services, urging participants to explore practical solutions during the event.
Phala emphasized the need for the Harmattan School to identify key priorities for the NLC to engage policymakers effectively. She expressed hope that the outcomes of the discussions would guide labor leaders in addressing the pressing challenges facing workers and building a more sustainable future.
The NLC reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for workers’ rights and improving conditions across all sectors, pledging to intensify efforts to ensure the well-being of Nigerian workers. The Harmattan School is expected to conclude with a roadmap for achieving a stronger and more inclusive labor movement.
