FG, Governors stealing workers sweat – NLC Chair alleges

The Nigeria Labour Congress has accused the Federal Government and state governors of exploiting Nigerian workers and suppressing democratic freedoms. NLC President Joe Ajaero made this known during the opening ceremony of the 21st Rain School of the NLC held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Ajaero alleged that both federal and state authorities were not only unlawfully taking workers’ contributions but also crushing dissent and weakening democratic institutions. He described the situation as “stealing workers’ sweat” and warned that the country was edging dangerously close to tyranny.

He said that while Nigeria is supposed to be a democratic society, it has become a place where workers face increasing restrictions on their rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and participation in governance.

Ajaero also accused political leaders of prioritising the 2027 general elections over the welfare of citizens. He said the current clampdown on civic freedoms and trade union activities is a deliberate move to silence workers’ voices before the next election cycle.

He criticised the government’s focus on political power games instead of addressing the pressing issues of economic hardship and rising insecurity, both of which he blamed on the policies of those in power.