The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has presented new demands to the Federal Government in light of the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests. The demands were outlined in a communique signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.
In the communique, which was made available to New Telegraph, the NLC called for the reversal of harmful government policies and immediate relief measures to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. The labor union also condemned the unnecessary violence against protesters by security operatives and declared a day of mourning to honor those injured or killed during the protests.
The NLC further criticized the security agencies for prioritizing the use of force against protesters while neglecting other crucial security issues affecting the nation. Emphasizing that protest is a constitutional right, the NLC urged the government to refrain from interfering with and sponsoring disruptions of peaceful protests.
Highlighting the significance of dialogue and concrete actions, the NLC expressed strong condemnation of the human rights violations committed by security forces against peaceful protesters. The NEC-in-session called for an independent investigation into the killings and urged the government to hold responsible individuals accountable for these heinous acts.
In addition to demanding policy reversal and accountability, the NLC urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to find resolutions and put an end to the ongoing national crisis.
The NLC also stressed the importance of immediate relief measures to alleviate the suffering of workers and the general public. These measures include the provision of direct food aid, subsidies on essential commodities, and other social safety nets to ensure their effective distribution.
Furthermore, the NLC called on the federal government to restrain its officials, particularly the Minister of Labour and the Registrar of Trade Unions, from colluding with retrogressive political elements that seek to undermine workers’ rights and trade unions’ political participation.
In conclusion, the NEC called on Nigerian workers to remain united and resolute in their demands for better governance. The NLC emphasized that solidarity is the key to amplifying the voices of the people and achieving justice and accountability.
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