The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening economic and security situation, saying millions of citizens are facing severe hardship due to policies that have deepened poverty and insecurity across the country.
In its Eid-el-Kabir message signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the labour union stated that Nigerian workers and ordinary citizens are struggling under the weight of rising inflation, high transportation costs, food insecurity, and declining living conditions.
The union criticised what it described as neoliberal economic policies, arguing that governance should prioritise the welfare of citizens by ensuring access to food, healthcare, education, decent jobs, and security.
“As we mark Eid-el-Kabir, a festival of sacrifice and obedience, the working class and the poor majority are bleeding under the weight of neoliberal policies,” the statement read.
The NLC also linked the worsening insecurity across the country to failures in governance, citing kidnappings, banditry, communal clashes, and urban violence as growing threats to national stability.
According to the labour body, leaders must demonstrate greater accountability and sincerity by reducing extravagant public spending and implementing people-oriented policies.
The union further signalled a more active political stance ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that workers and ordinary Nigerians would remember unfulfilled promises, economic hardship, and the treatment of peaceful protesters.
“We are entering a phase where every vote must be a weapon against hunger, insecurity, and exploitation,” the NLC declared.
The congress urged Nigerians to use the Eid period not only for celebration and prayer but also for civic engagement, political awareness, and community mobilisation aimed at building a more equitable society.
