*NLC outlines expectations for New Year, urges FG, states to prioritise wellbeing of Nigerians
*Insists on pro-human-progress policies, respecting agreements with trade unions
*Asks for access to food, healthcare, Housing, Education, Security of lives, properties
*As Reps D/Speaker, Ganduje, others assure Nigerians of better days ahead
By Michael Oche and Lanre Oloyede
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has outlined its expectation for 2025, urging government at all levels to prioritize the welfare and wellbeing of the citizens in the New Year.
NLC president, comrade Joe Ajaero, made the call in his New Year message to Nigerians especially workers, where he also urged the Federal Government to prioritize industrial peace by taking social dialogue seriously, pursuing pro-human-progress policies, and respecting agreements with trade unions.
Ajaero said, “We call on the government at all levels to ensure that governance translates into real benefits for the people. The welfare of the citizens remains the primary justification for the existence of any government. Access to food and Nutrition, better healthcare, Quality Housing, Education, Transportation and greater Security of lives and properties including the right to participate in decisions on how they are ruled are the key expectations of the people and workers. Policies must therefore reflect transparency, honesty, and inclusivity, devoid of chicanery, nepotism, and strong-arm tactics.”
Ajaero expressed hope that the challenges of survival faced by Nigerians in 2024 must not hold the country down, saying that “instead, let us find inner strength to build a collective resolve to drive Nigeria out of the morass of underdevelopment that has held it captive for far too long.
“No external power will deliver us from the scourge of economic hardship and stagnation. It is only through our collective effort and determination that we can propel our nation forward. We must build inner strength to find this collective resolve across the length and breadth of our great nation. This is our civic responsibility—one we must embrace with unwavering determination.”
The NLC president also disclosed that organised labour would step up its battle for an upward wage review for workers due to mitigate the high costs of living.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the Tax Bill before the National Assembly so that all key national stakeholders will be part of the process, saying that organized labour is committed to join hands in co-creating a new national Tax law that would enjoy wider acceptance and would fulfill its purpose of propelling national development which we believe is the main objective of government.
He said, “As we move into 2025, we urge the Federal Government to prioritize industrial peace by taking social dialogue seriously, pursuing pro-human-progress policies, and respecting agreements with trade unions.”
“The increasing use of violence in engagements with workers and unions must cease, as it is a recipe for industrial disharmony. Trade unions which we are, as a pan-people organization, remain a committed partner in progress, striving for the development of Nigeria while protecting the rights of workers and citizens at large.
In a related development, Nigerians have been assured of better days ahead in 2025.
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, gave the assurance in a message to usher in the New Year, issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Oliver Okpala,
According to Okpala, the promise was based on the visionary reforms President Bola Tinubu has started which are yielding positive fruits which will be more visible in the year.
“Let me assure Nigerians that by next year’s Christmas, the economy would have fully stabilised and improved.
“This season should be for hope of a better life in the new year and the opportunity of a new era should renew our hearts with the values of faith, tenacity, faith, love, peace, and unity, as exemplified by the founding fathers of our country such as Herbert Macauley, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Peter Enahoro, Ahmadu Bello amonst others.
On his part, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has extended heartfelt congratulations to Nigerians on the occasion of New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025, urging hope, renewal, and optimism for a brighter future.
He reflected on the significant progress made in the outgoing year and assured Nigerians that the New Year will bring promise and possibility.
This was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
