The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to halt what it described as “anti-poor policies” that continue to weigh heavily on workers and the general populace.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NLC said the recent hikes in electricity tariffs, fuel prices, and other basic services have worsened the economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians. According to the union, these policies are eroding the value of workers’ wages and pushing families further into poverty.
“Government cannot continue to burden citizens with policies that cripple their livelihoods while failing to provide adequate social protection,” the NLC stated. “Workers are the backbone of the nation, yet their sweat and sacrifice are being undermined by decisions that prioritize profit over people.”
The labour body further criticized the government’s handling of subsidies, taxation, and cost of governance, arguing that the poor are being forced to carry the weight of reforms that only benefit the elite.
It warned that unless urgent steps are taken to review and reverse some of these measures, the discontent among citizens could escalate into widespread unrest.
The NLC also urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to focus on policies that stimulate local production, improve job creation, and strengthen social safety nets, rather than those that impoverish the masses.
“Every policy should be assessed by its impact on the ordinary Nigerian,” the union stressed. “A government that listens to its people must act in ways that bring relief, not suffering.”
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of workers and said it would not hesitate to mobilize nationwide action if government policies continue to undermine the welfare of Nigerians.
