The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has entered 2026 with a renewed pledge to defend workers’ rights, promote social justice and safeguard national cohesion, warning that it will continue to hold governments at all levels accountable to the Nigerian people.
In a New Year message issued on December 31, 2025, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, described 2025 as a difficult year defined by deepening socioeconomic pressures, but insisted that the challenges only strengthened organised labour’s determination to fight for equity and fairness.
According to the labour centre, the hardships of the past year did not weaken its commitment to the struggle for fair wealth distribution and improved living standards for Nigerian workers.
The NLC said it was stepping into 2026 with what it called a “fortified resolve,” pointing to recent assurances from President Bola Tinubu on deeper engagement with organised labour—commitments it said were secured through sustained pressure and collective action.
It pledged to engage the promised dialogue “deeply, consciously and patriotically,” while maintaining vigilance in defence of workers’ interests.
Ajaero urged workers and the general public to remain alert and united, stressing that organised labour would only support governments and political actors that demonstrate genuine, people-centred policies capable of lifting Nigerians out of poverty.
He cautioned against what he termed “mercantilistic politicians,” accusing them of peddling empty promises and pursuing policies that erode living standards.
On wages, the NLC renewed its demand for an urgent review in response to rising inflation and worsening economic hardship, insisting that workers’ earnings must guarantee a dignified life, not mere survival, in line with the President’s pledge to pay living wages.
The labour body said it would pursue the demand through all legitimate and lawful means available to it.
Addressing security, the NLC described the protection of lives and property as a fundamental right and the primary responsibility of the state. While acknowledging recent improvements, it urged the government to consolidate gains to ensure lasting peace and security nationwide.
The Congress also called for unity among workers and the wider population, emphasising that solidarity and collective action remain the most potent tools for driving national transformation.
Encouraging Nigerians to face 2026 with resilience and optimism despite looming challenges, the NLC declared that the true strength of organised labour lies in its numbers, unity and unwavering commitment to justice.
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