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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised concerns over the country’s slow progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), warning that systemic repression, poor social dialogue, and hostile economic policies are undermining inclusive development.
NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, made this known at the NLC and Youth Organisations Stakeholder Dialogue on Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals Progress Towards 2030, held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The event, organised in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), brought together trade unions, youth groups, and other key stakeholders to review Nigeria’s SDG journey.
Upah lamented that despite the adoption of key SDGs, including good health, gender equality, decent work, economic growth, and partnerships, the country is grappling with declining trade union density, shrinking democratic space, criminalisation of trade union activities, and frequent government interference in labour matters.
“It was not for nothing Nigeria was ranked as the worst place for conducting trade union activities in Africa, and second globally after Syria,” Upah said.
According to him, unpopular economic policies, corporate divestment, rising unemployment, and food insecurity are stalling growth. He argued that development cannot take place in an atmosphere of siege or repression.
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The NLC Spokesperson stressed the need for stronger civil rights protections and a vibrant culture of social dialogue to foster trust between government, labour, and employers. He called for progressive financing of the SDGs through proactive budgeting and transparent implementation to ensure that commitments translate into tangible results.
Upah emphasised the importance of formalising the informal sector, which accounts for 80 per cent of Nigeria’s economy, by improving access to credit, markets, insurance, and skills development. He warned against policies that suppress the sector, describing it as a critical driver of sustainable growth.
He also advocated for universal access to social protection and urged the government to institutionalise inclusive development that recognises and prioritises the roles of women and youth. Building a robust and sustainable agenda for gender and youth empowerment, he said, would help unlock the country’s economic potential.
The NLC Spokesperson further urged the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs to engage more closely with labour and other stakeholders, stressing the importance of regular peacetime conversations to track progress and address challenges before they escalate.
On the global stage, he linked Nigeria’s development struggles to the lingering effects of COVID-19, global inflation, geopolitical conflicts, and policy incoherence. He also warned against the international community’s rush to validate electoral outcomes that mock democracy, noting that such actions erode citizens’ trust in governance.
“We have to hold accountable those responsible for creating tense situations in our lives. Development and growth on a sustainable basis cannot take place unless we dismantle repression and create an inclusive environment,” he said.
