Nigeria’s labour organisations say insecurity and poverty are crushing workers, warning that worsening conditions are eroding decent work and threatening national development.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) stated their position on Friday, during the 2026 May Day celebration in Abuja.

At the event, themed “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work”, the labour unions urged renewed focus on workers’ welfare.

They highlighted workers’ struggles and sacrifices across sectors sustaining the economy under harsh conditions.

NLC president, Joe Ajaero, described workers as the backbone of productivity in healthcare, education, aviation, energy, and public service.

“This year’s theme reflects the harsh realities confronting Nigerian workers, where insecurity and poverty continue to erode decent work.

“The twin challenges of insecurity and poverty have become major obstacles to job creation and workers’ welfare nationwide.

“Decent work cannot thrive in an environment where fear and deprivation define daily life for citizens and workers alike,” he said.

Mr Ajaero noted that insecurity and poverty have weakened employment creation, workers’ rights, and social protection systems across the country.

He referenced Sustainable Development Goal 8, stressing that safety, stability, and inclusive growth are essential for decent work.

The NLC president warned that rising poverty is pushing millions into hardship daily, worsening already fragile living conditions.

He added that the IDP camps reflect a deepening humanitarian crisis affecting families and vulnerable communities nationwide.

Mr Ajaero called for accountability, warning that weak institutions and poor governance continue to worsen citizens’ hardship.

“We urge the government to prioritise security, as no meaningful economic development can occur without safety of lives and property,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the TUC president, Festus Osifo, said insecurity discourages foreign investment and limits economic growth opportunities.

He urged stronger institutional independence, calling on the legislature and judiciary to enhance transparency and accountability.

Mr Osifo said thousands are pushed into poverty daily, worsening social and economic instability nationwide.

He called for urgent, coordinated action to address insecurity, poverty, and declining living standards.

Mr Osifo reaffirmed labour’s commitment to workers’ rights, stressing that unity remains critical to national progress. 

(NAN)