The Nigeria Labour Congress has urged the federal government to implement policies that prioritise the welfare of Nigerians.

NLC president Joe Ajaero said this in a communiqué jointly signed by Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Labour Centre general secretary, on Wednesday.

The communiqué was issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) to assess the welfare of Nigerian workers and the general populace in light of the hardship.

Mr Ajaero said that the NECin session demanded the reversal of all the “ill-conceived policies” that have led to the current economic crisis.

According to him, NEC mandates the national leadership to decide on the day NLC will set aside as a National Day of Mourning in honour of those who were maimed and lost their lives in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests.

He said that for accountability, NEC calls for an independent investigation into the killings and maiming of protesters.

“Those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their families. All the peaceful protesters held illegally and unconstitutionally in government’s custody must be free without delay,” he said.

He urged the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

Mr Ajaero called on the government to implement immediate relief measures to alleviate the suffering of workers and the general populace. He said these include the provision of direct food aid, subsidies on essential commodities and other social safety nets.

“The NEC calls on the Federal Government to restrain its officials, especially the minister of labour and the registrar of trade unions, from seeking to curtail our rights as workers and trade unions to political participation.

“We demand the immediate withdrawal of that insensitive and misplaced unsolicited advice from the registrar of trade unions, to avert industrial crisis. The NEC finally calls on all Nigerian workers to remain united and resolute in their demands for better governance.

“Solidarity is our strength, and together, we can amplify the voices of the people and demand justice and accountability,” he said.

He added that NEC directs all workers across the country to keep themselves safe amid the posttest as the masses try to make their voices heard.

“You must maintain our commitment to non-violence and ensure that our actions are lawful and disciplined as the people protest,” he said.

(NAN)