The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has said the union had the most turbulent experience in 2024.
Henzodaily reports that Ajaero made this known on Monday while Speaking in Abuja, stating that the organised labour faced threats and intimidation aimed at weakening the institution but have been largely unsuccessful.
According to Ajaero, the protection of workers remains the responsibility of the union.
He said, “I welcome you to a year that we have witnessed one of the greatest turbulence in our history as a movement.
“It was a period where we were invaded, ransacked, and subjected to the highest level of threats, intimidation.
“We believe that in those events, we have emerged stronger, more resilient and better positioned to deliver on the expectations of Nigerian workers and people.
“The articulation and protection of workers rights is our primary responsibility, and anything we do that does not approximate to that amounts to failure.
“We are, therefore, left with no other choice than to focus with greater determination and zeal on this mission of making our working places and our nation yield better results.”
Also speaking, the country director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Vanessa Phala, said organised unions must unite and engage governments to find solutions to the challenges facing workers.
He said, “We know that in spite of the newly negotiated minimum wage that was approved, the rising cost of goods and services is really not making it to have the impact that we want to see.
“I charge the conversation in the Harmattan school to focus on identifying the kind of social contract that will take Nigeria forward.
“I expect that the conclusion of this school will identify the priorities of the NLC and how it will engage in policy discussions with the leadership of the country.”