NLC Warns Insecurity, Poverty Pushing Nigerians to Brink
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has warned that worsening insecurity, rising poverty and harsh economic conditions are pushing many Nigerians to the edge, with survival now taking priority over productivity.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said growing insecurity across the country had crippled livelihoods, displaced families and discouraged investment, leaving many workers unable to carry out their daily activities.
According to him, fear and uncertainty have forced many Nigerians into Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps, while farmers and rural workers continue to lose their sources of income due to persistent attacks and violence.
Ajaero also criticised the economic hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that rising fuel prices and transportation costs had not been matched with improved wages for workers.
He questioned why increased government revenue from higher crude oil prices had not translated into better welfare for ordinary Nigerians.
The labour leader further lamented multiple taxes and levies imposed on citizens, saying market women, transport operators and small business owners were struggling under severe economic pressure.
On alternatives to petrol, he expressed disappointment over the slow rollout of Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, infrastructure and electric vehicle support systems.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has maintained that fuel subsidy will not be reintroduced.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said subsidy removal remained necessary to avoid economic distortions and insisted that petrol pricing should be determined by market forces.
Speaking during engagements with global investors in France, Oyedele said the government was focused on economic reforms and long-term growth, adding that Nigeria recorded significant GDP growth in dollar terms in 2025.
However, labour leaders faulted the government’s position, urging authorities to adopt targeted subsidies and tax relief measures to cushion the impact of rising living costs on Nigerians.
Source: Vanguard
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