Workers Day: Labour Leaders Calls For Sustainable Friendly Policy

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero said workers’ welfare should be given top priority by the governments at the Federal and state-level.

“People should be at the heart of every policy. Without making them the centre of every government policy, the society suffers adversely,” he said at the Pre-May Day Lecture in Abuja as part of activities to mark the 2024 International Workers Day celebration scheduled for Wednesday.

His counterpart, the President of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of Nigeria, Comrade Festus Osifo, also said the welfare and interest of the people should be considered first in driving any government policy. 

The TUC President, represented by the Deputy President of the centre, Comrade Eitm Okon said the theme of the 2024 May Day celebration: “Workers First” is very significant because there is a need to put the people first, and to put the workers first in a very government policy.

He said: “Today marks another turning point in the history of the trade union movement in this country. When we look at the theme of the 2024 Worker’s Day celebration, which is people first, that is very significant because we need to put the people first, we need to put the workers first and when you put the people first, you put your family first. This is what is called the first line charge.

“Today, we have experienced various policy mismatches and summersaults where the people’s welfare is put at the bottom of the radar.

“A case in point was the increase in electricity tariff without following due process and without consultation with various stakeholders who would have been involved in taking critical decisions that affect the lives of workers.”