From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has called for greater determination and unity among workers to confront the challenges facing Nigeria’s labour movement.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Annual Harmattan School of the NLC in Abuja on Monday, Ajaero emphasised the importance of education, resilience, and strategy in advancing the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers amidst mounting difficulties.
Acknowledging the significant hurdles encountered by the labour movement in the past year, Ajeoro described 2024 as a period of unprecedented turbulence, marked by intimidation, arrests, and charges of treasonable felony and other crimes against labour leaders. Despite these challenges, he affirmed the union’s resilience and commitment to its mandate of protecting workers’ rights.
“It has truly been a year like no other,” Ajaero said. “Yet, in the midst of these trials, we have emerged stronger, more resilient, and better positioned to meet the expectations of Nigerian workers.”
The Harmattan School, an annual event organised by the NLC, serves as a platform for capacity-building, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning. This year’s theme, “Trade Unions and the Quest for a New Social Contract,” focuses on fostering social justice, decent work, and sustainable development.
Ajaero stressed the need for a new social contract that guarantees workers’ rights, equitable resource distribution, and active civic participation. He highlighted the critical role of trade unions in addressing issues such as rising inequality, climate change, and the transformation of work due to technological and demographic shifts.
“New approaches are required to tackle these emerging challenges. The new social contract demands participatory governance, social justice, environmental sustainability, and fair income for al,” he noted.
Reflecting on the recently concluded national minimum wage negotiations, Ajaero urged members to ensure the full implementation of the new wage structure before the year’s end. He also reiterated the labour movement’s commitment to engaging government policies through social dialogue and providing alternative solutions to alleviate poverty and hardship.
“Our mission is to build a more inclusive, fair, and equitable Nigeria that leaves no one behind. We must focus with greater determination on making our workplaces and our nation yield better results for Nigerian workers,” Ajaero said.
The NLC President called on participants at the Harmattan School to fully embrace the programme, exchange ideas, and sharpen their strategies for future engagements.
“As we embark on this journey of learning and engagement at Harmattan School, let us recognize that the strength of our collective resolve is the foundation upon which we can build a better world of work and a just society. The new social contract we aspire to is not just a vision; it is a call to action—demanding our unwavering commitment, collaboration, and courage.
“I challenge each of us to fully immerse ourselves in the discussions, exchange ideas with open minds, and embrace this opportunity to sharpen our strategies. Let us leave this program not just as informed participants but as empowered agents of change, ready to confront the challenges ahead with boldness and determination.
“Together, we can create a future that reflects our shared values and aspirations. Let us seize this moment to rise stronger, act decisively, and work relentlessly for the advancement of Nigerian workers and the progress of our nation,” he added.