The Nigeria Labour Congress has accused governments at all levels of failing Nigerians through policies it says have worsened poverty, hunger, and insecurity across the country.
In its Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslim faithful, the labour union said millions of Nigerians were suffering under economic policies that continue to deepen hardship and inequality.
In a statement signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the congress said the current situation in the country demands urgent reflection and policy redirection by political leaders.
“On behalf of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, we wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world, especially in Nigeria, a happy Sallah celebration,” the statement read.
“As we mark Eid-el-Kabir, a festival of sacrifice and obedience, the NLC reminds all Nigerians that this celebration should be different. The working class and the poor majority are bleeding under the weight of neoliberal policies, which, fortunately, have been widely acknowledged by our leaders.”
The congress insisted that government policies should prioritise citizens over profit and place workers at the centre of economic decisions.
“Our policy choices should then reflect this right understanding by placing workers over capital and people over profit,” Ajaero stated.
The NLC further criticised the worsening insecurity across Nigeria, describing it as evidence of leadership failure and poor governance.
“The worsening insecurity that now threatens the existence of our nation – from banditry to kidnapping, from herdsmen bloodshed to urban violence – is a direct indictment of our governance model,” the statement said.
“Nothing can hide the fact that millions cannot sleep with their eyes closed, nor can they travel our roads freely without fearing for their lives.”
The labour union also accused political leaders of demanding sacrifice from ordinary Nigerians while allegedly living comfortably in public office.
“Leaders ought to lead this charge for greater sacrifice and not gorge themselves full while demanding sacrifice from workers and masses who are already suffering,” the statement added.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the NLC warned that Nigerian workers and citizens would hold political leaders accountable for economic hardship and unfulfilled promises.
“2027 must not be another theatre of elite-managed deception. It must be a moment of reckoning, a moment when workers, peasants, unemployed youth, and petty traders use their collective numerical strength and their ballots to reject every anti-people candidate and party,” Ajaero declared.
The congress also urged Nigerians to use the Eid period for reflection, grassroots mobilisation, and political awareness ahead of future elections.
“We call on all Muslims, workers, and indeed all Nigerians to use this period not only for prayer but also for political education, grassroots organising, and the building of a united front of the oppressed,” the statement said.
The labour body concluded by saying Nigerian workers would not remain silent while the country’s future continues to deteriorate.
“We are entering a phase where every vote must be a weapon against hunger, insecurity, and exploitation,” it added.
What You Should Know
The Nigeria Labour Congress has remained one of the strongest critics of recent economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government, especially following the removal of fuel subsidy and the continued rise in inflation and living costs.
Labour unions across Nigeria have repeatedly argued that many workers can no longer cope with transportation, food, housing, and healthcare expenses despite adjustments to the minimum wage.
The NLC’s latest Eid-el-Kabir message reflects growing political tension ahead of the 2027 elections, as labour groups increasingly position themselves as voices of economic frustration and public dissatisfaction over insecurity and worsening hardship nationwide.
