The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern 14-day ultimatum to both the Edo State Government and the police, demanding they vacate the premises of its secretariat in Benin.
This move follows a series of actions that the NLC claims were aimed at undermining the union’s leadership. The ultimatum was made public by Joe Ajaero, NLC President, and Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary, after a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday.
The 14-day notice, which will expire on January 8, 2025, gives the Edo State Government and the police a strict deadline to vacate the secretariat, return all confiscated items, and cease interfering in union matters.
In their statement, the NLC condemned what they called a “brazen act of impunity” by the Edo State Government and the police. They accused the state government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the police of orchestrating an invasion of the NLC secretariat.
The NLC alleges that the police and the state government ransacked the union’s offices and unlawfully removed items. They claim these actions were part of a larger plot to impose a leadership that is not supported by the workers.
“The police should immediately vacate the premises, return all confiscated properties to the Congress, and commit to refraining from further interference in trade union activities,” the NLC statement declared.
If the demands are not met within the set timeframe, the NLC has vowed to take unprecedented actions to defend workers’ rights.
“We will take all necessary steps to protect the rights of workers and the integrity of the union. This situation is unacceptable, and we will not stand by idly,” the statement further warned.
The NEC meeting in Owerri was not solely focused on this crisis. It also served as a platform to discuss key issues affecting Nigerian workers, particularly the economic challenges faced by the nation.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the ongoing socio-economic hardships caused by government policies. These policies, according to the NLC, have deepened the crisis of survival across the country.
NLC President Joe Ajaero spoke passionately about the effects of these policies on the average Nigerian, emphasising that many are struggling to make ends meet due to poor economic planning and poor governance.
“The socio-economic conditions in Nigeria have worsened,” he said. “We are facing unprecedented hardship, and the people are suffering. Workers are finding it hard to survive, and it is becoming more difficult every day.”
One of the most pressing concerns discussed at the meeting was the ongoing cash scarcity in the country. The NLC highlighted the burden this has placed on businesses, especially small businesses, and the informal economy.
The scarcity of cash has forced many Nigerians to forfeit up to 5% of their funds whenever they attempt to access cash, a practice which has only added to the suffering of millions of workers.
“The cash scarcity is a huge problem. Small businesses are struggling, and the poor are being hit hardest,” Ajaero remarked. “The government must act swiftly to address this issue. It is causing untold hardship.”
In light of these concerns, the NLC has called on the federal government to intervene and ensure that cash is made available to the people. They believe that addressing this problem is crucial for the survival of small businesses and for stimulating economic growth in the country.
“We need the Central Bank Governor to take immediate action to ensure cash is accessible to the people,” the NLC said. “This will help small businesses survive and help the economy recover.”
Taxation was also a topic of discussion at the NEC meeting. The NLC expressed its concern over the current Tax Bill being debated in the National Assembly. According to the NLC, the bill lacks proper consultation with workers and other key stakeholders.
“The tax bill is an important issue, but it cannot move forward without proper dialogue,” said Ugboaja, the NLC General Secretary. “It is crucial that we have meaningful discussions with the government and other stakeholders before any decisions are made.”
The NLC has called for a halt to the Tax Bill in order to allow for more consultation and engagement with Nigerian workers. They argue that the current process is politically driven and excludes those who will bear the brunt of the tax burden.
“The bill is being politicised, and this is worrying,” the union said. “A fair tax system can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue.”
In addition to these economic concerns, the NLC also addressed the issue of security in Nigeria. They cited alarming statistics, revealing that Nigerians have paid an astonishing N2.23 trillion in ransom payments this year alone, due to widespread insecurity.
The union also reported that 614,937 Nigerians lost their lives, while more than 2.2 million others were kidnapped within the last year.
“These figures are appalling,” Ajaero said. “The state of insecurity in this country is unacceptable, and it is putting the lives of workers at risk. We demand immediate action from the government to protect the people.”
The NLC is urging the government to take stronger measures to restore security and public confidence. They stressed that the majority of those affected by insecurity are workers, further highlighting the need for urgent government intervention.
The meeting in Owerri also touched on the ongoing struggle of Nigerian workers to secure their rights. The NLC reiterated its belief that if organised labour is excluded from important decisions, such as the Tax Bill, it undermines the principles of fairness and justice.
“If labour is not at the table, it is effectively on the menu,” the NLC warned, underscoring the importance of including workers in the policy-making process.