The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has blamed the worsening economic hardship in the country on what it described as failed and anti-people policies, urging government at all levels to embrace reforms that prioritise the welfare of citizens.

President Joe Ajaero, in an Easter message, has made it known that the current suffering of Nigerian workers was not by accident but a direct consequence of policy choices that have deepened poverty, inequality, and insecurity.

The labour body noted that while Easter symbolises sacrifice and redemption, the sacrifices being imposed on Nigerians today are unjust and largely unreciprocated by those in leadership. It lamented that workers have continued to bear the brunt of rising transportation costs, epileptic power supply, and declining purchasing power.

According to the NLC, the soaring cost of living has placed unbearable pressure on workers, with wages no longer sufficient to meet basic needs. It added that persistent electricity challenges have crippled small businesses and industries, worsening unemployment and economic instability.

The Congress accused political leaders of failing to demonstrate the kind of sacrifice expected of them, alleging that many in positions of authority have instead insulated themselves from the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

It therefore called on the government to adopt policies that would ease the burden on citizens, including the restoration of affordable public transportation, decisive action to address the power crisis and improved security across the country.

The statement read in part, “Today, the soaring cost of transportation is a heavy yoke on the necks of workers. It devours our wages, steals our time, and reduces our existence to a daily struggle for survival. The absence of electricity, inducing darkness across the nation, is not merely a technical failure; it is a weapon of mass disempowerment. It cripples our industries, kills our small businesses, and plunges our homes into darkness, making it impossible for the working class to live with dignity.

“We demand that the pains of today be transformed into a victory for the people through the implementation of policies that restore public transportation, end the electricity crisis, stop the killings and place the welfare of the masses above the profits of a privileged few. We demand more humane and responsive governance anchored on the people.

“We therefore urge the government to be more sensitive to the plight of Nigerian workers and people. The use of state power to suppress workers’ rights, to silence dissent, or to impose austerity that benefits a tiny elite while crushing the majority is a betrayal of the very essence of leadership and negates the spirit of this season.

“The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of triumph. Just as Christ emerged triumphant, so shall the Nigerian worker emerge from the grave of poverty, exploitation, and bad governance. That triumph will not, however, come by waiting. It will come through our collective struggle; through the organised power of the working class, through our solidarity, through our refusal to accept the unacceptable. The NLC remains committed to this struggle. We will continue to work for a Nigeria where the wealth of the nation is used for the welfare of the many, not the luxury of the few. We wish all Nigerian Christians and, indeed, people a Happy Easter!

“Let this Easter be a season of renewed commitment to the cause of liberty. Let it strengthen our resolve to demand sacrifice from those who lead and to build a nation where justice, peace and prosperity are not privileges but the birthright of every Nigerian. Onward to victory through the risen Christ!”NLC stated

 

SOURCE : THE SUN