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Thepledge Big Story: Palliatives: Whose Interest Is Organised Labour Promoting?

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By Augustine Akhilomen

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) may have lost the trust bestowed upon them by Nigerians despite their frequent calls for a total shutdown of the nation’s economy amid the continuous hardship being felt by Nigerians as a result of President Bola Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal and economic policies.

It would be recalled that since the announcement by President Tinubu to remove the subsidies on petroleum products, organized labour has initiated different warning strikes which to a large extent have not changed the federal government stand to put in place enough and adequate measures to ameliorate the sufferings that became the consequence of the policies of government. Indeed, the social conditions of the so-called poorest of the poor have worsened.

And even though some of the warning of the strikes that they embarked on was partially adhered to by Nigerians, many of them went about with their daily activities because of lack of trust.

In truth, organized labour is one of the credible groups which citizens look up to and which they expect to fight on their behalf, for justice, equity and fairness. However, it is becoming increasingly clear, critics have observed, that organized labour is seen to be inactive and incapacitated to defend the interest of workers and that of the masses.

Many Nigerians are indeed of the view that labour has lost their true core values and beliefs given their inconsistency in standing their ground and opposing intimidation from the power that be. “It has been a thing of surprise that labour has consistently failed to carry out their threat in the midst of many provocations from the government. How do you want the people to continue support when they have always chicken out at the last minute”, says Tunji Jimoh, an analyst.



But the questions on the lips of most Nigerians are, whose interest is organized labour promoting? Are they really working for the interests of the generality of Nigerians or are they only interested in being in the limelight and promoting themselves?



Organised labour known for its active, consistent, dogged, tenacious and focused activism has since turned out to be a 21st century lame duck. The generational people-centric and socialist disposition of protecting the interests of workers and strongly advocating for living wages and general citizens’ welfare is completely lost in recent times. Labur is now a shadow of itself – a toothless bulldog.

The sluggish attitude of labour to the issues at stake does not seem to tilt towards defending the will of the people. What people saw were empty threats to lock down the economy leading to delayed meetings with government officials and promises to provide palliative measures.



Meanwhile, the Spokesperson of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Abdul-Azeez Suleiman alleged that organized labour has stripped itself of every strand of credibility, public trust and confidence.

According to the CNG, on every occasion, the NLC would deceive the public into believing they are protecting their interests, only to betray the course, and negotiate with the government at the expense of the suffering masses.

“The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) notes with sadness that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has developed a penchant over the years for mass public deception over issues of serious national importance.

“CNG also observes that at every occasion, the NLC would deceive the public into believing they are protecting their interests, only to betray the course, negotiate with the government at the expense of the suffering masses.”

Also speaking, an economic expert, Jennifer Ajayi, said that labour has become predictable as the leaders often rush to call off strikes without taking into consideration the feeling of the masses.

She said: “It is sad that NLC keeps disappointing Nigerians. They call off strikes on the basis of fake promises when none of those things are implemented. Even if they’re implemented, it will benefit only a few.

“The high rate of inflation is getting worse every day. What is N35,000 going to do for a family of four for just a month? I don’t think there is hope for the common man. I’m sure this agreement will not get to the common man.

“organized labour should engage the federal government to put out a means to reduce the price of commodities. Let the common man eat too. That’s the only way NLC can help the masses.”

On his part, a worker in the private sector, Victor Amusan, said that NLC was supposed to engage further with the federal government before suspending the strike action.

He said: “It is disheartening that the NLC does not show much interest or enthusiasm in fighting for state and local government workers, but concentrates on federal workers. After raising hopes of many Nigerians, the NLC suspended the much-advertised strike in the middle of the night, leaving many in limbo.

“Next time, they will come back seeking their solidarity and support to embark on another strike. The N35,000 wage they want to give federal government workers will be squeezed out from suffering Nigerians one way or the other. We should just prepare for more hardship.

“That apart, Joe Ajaero disappointed himself. At least, NLC and TUC should have gone into a day’s strike before negotiation. As things stand, Nigerians will never take the Labour Union seriously again. Now the federal government workers will be smiling, what about state and local government workers? Whenever NLC wants to go on strike, will state workers also join them? So, they should have been taken into consideration in the negotiation, especially as NLC expects Nigerians to cooperate with them if the agreement fails to come to fruition in the next 30 days.

Many observers expected the NLC to have used the avenue of meeting with the Federal Government to drive home their demands without hurriedly agreeing with them in a bid to call off strike. By doing so they can win the trust of Nigerians and open a new chapter where Labour won’t be taken for granted again.

Nigerians would be watching to see if the agreement between labour and the federal government would be implemented. But, organized labour has a lot in its hands; they would have to yet again cultivate the trust of Nigerians so that anytime a strike action is announced the people would take them seriously.

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Electricity: Peter Obi blasts Tinubu over failed promises

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has slammed President Bola Tinubu over what he described as failed campaign promises, especially on electricity.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Monday, Obi reminded Nigerians of when Tinubu said they should not vote for him for a second term if he failed to provide steady electricity.

Obi said that thirty two months after taking office, instead of living by his powerful words, Tinubu has now abandoned the national grid, which has been performing abysmally under his watch.

According to him, Nigerians do not expect 100 percent fulfilment of promises, but they do expect 100 percent effort, accompanied by measurable improvements and clear explanations when gaps exist.

The former Anambra State governor added that leadership must serve the people, not isolate itself from their daily struggles.

The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, further stated that it is gross neglect and deeply worrisome when the seat of power abandons the national grid. He added that one would expect government institutions to lead efforts to strengthen and expand the grid so that other establishments, and ultimately citizens, can benefit.

He lamented that if those in authority disconnect themselves from the system, who then will connect the ordinary Nigerian to reliable power?

“Those were the powerful words then that inspired hope among Nigerians who longed for light in their homes, stability for their businesses, and growth for their nation.

“Yet, while Nigerians are still grappling with that unfulfilled categorical electoral promise, and without clear communication on the obstacles, if any, we read of a provision in the 2025 budget of about ₦10 billion for solar power at Aso Rock, and in the 2026 budget another humongous amount for upgrade and maintenance. Now we are being sarcastically told that the Presidential Villa has planned to be disconnected from the national grid to rely entirely on solar.

“Promoting renewable energy, as solar systems do, is commendable and necessary for the future.

“However, this situation reflects a deeper concern: governance lacking compassion and commitment to the governed. You cannot tell the people to fast while feasting yourself, securing yourself while Nigerians remain unsecured,” he wrote

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NSF: Abiodun approves over ₦450m cash rewards for Team Ogun medalists, coaches

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The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has approved cash rewards totalling over ₦450 million for athletes and officials of Team Ogun following the state’s performance at the just-concluded National Sports Festival.

The governor announced the approval on Monday in Abeokuta during a ceremony held in honour of the medalists, noting that the state finished second overall with 239 medals — its best outing in the history of the festival.

In a statement made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun described the achievement as a testament to the steady growth of sports development in the state, stressing that his administration remains committed to recognising excellence.

He disclosed that all training allowances, participation allowances and contractual fees owed to athletes and officials had been fully settled.

Abiodun added that “the immediate cash rewards earlier promised during his visit to the athletes’ camp were fulfilled, including ₦50,000 paid to every qualified athlete and instant bonuses for medal winners before the festival’s closing ceremony”

The governor also announced what he described as “a historic reward package for medalists: ₦2.5 million each for 93 gold medalists, ₦1.5 million each for 61 silver medalists, and ₦1 million each for 81 bronze medalists”.

He said additional provisions were approved for athletes in team sports to acknowledge their collective contributions.

He said, “The gesture is aimed at motivating athletes and encouraging young people across the state to embrace sports as a viable career path.”

Abiodun reportedly further approved “special financial support for technical officials, announcing ₦10 million for coaches through the Director of Coaching and ₦14.8 million for participating officials via the Director of Administration and Supply”.

He commended their discipline, mentorship and professionalism, describing them as key drivers of Team Ogun’s success.

The governor highlighted what he called the transformation of the sports sector in Ogun State, citing the hosting of international competitions, improved infrastructure, and greater utilisation of facilities by national teams and leagues.

He appreciated sports administrators, private sector partners and other stakeholders for supporting the growth of sports in the state.

Looking ahead to the next festival in Enugu, Abiodun urged athletes to remain focused and encouraged aspiring talents to participate in open trials and development programmes.

He congratulated Team Ogun for making the state proud and reaffirmed his administration’s continued investment in sports development.

The latest approval comes months after some athletes who represented the state at the festival staged a protest during the state’s 50th anniversary celebration, alleging non-payment of earlier promised rewards.

The athletes, who gathered at the arcade ground of the Governor’s Office in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, said the government had failed to fulfil its pledge eight months after the competition.

One of them, a wrestler, Kehinde Paul, had appealed to the governor to redeem the promise, saying many of the athletes depended on the incentives for their livelihoods.

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Threats won’t stop Nigerians from voting Tinubu out – ADC tells Wike

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his reported declaration of war against anti-Tinubu candidates ahead of the February 21, 2026 elections.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi on Monday, the party described the comment as irresponsible and dangerous.

According to the statement, it would not stop Nigerians from deciding who to vote.


The ADC said the minister’s remarks were troubling, especially at a time when the country is facing economic hardship, insecurity and political tension.

“We consider the Minister’s declaration of war against so-called anti-Tinubu candidates not only irresponsible, but dangerous in the current fragile atmosphere of our nation. At a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity, and deep political distrust, the last thing the country needs is inflammatory rhetoric from those entrusted with public office.

“Nigeria must not be turned into a ground for settling political scores; it is a constitutional democracy. Power ultimately belongs to the people, not to any President, any Minister, or anyone who wrongly assumes that holding public office means owning the country,” the statement warned.

The party said it was reminding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nyesom Wike and other officials of the administration that Nigerians cannot be bullied or pressured.

It added that any attempt to threaten or force voters into submission only shows fear and exposes what it described as growing anxiety within Wike, Tinubu and the APC over their level of public support, as well as a widening disconnect between the government and many citizens.

“If Wike, the APC and its leaders are confident in their performance, they should submit themselves humbly to the verdict of the electorate.

“The ADC will not sit idly by and watch political actors truncate our democracy. Any attempt, overt or covert, to subvert the will of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders will be firmly resisted through every means at our disposal. We are prepared to mobilize democratic institutions, civil society partners, and the Nigerian people themselves in defense of the sanctity of the ballot,” the statement added.

“If they are confident in their performance, they should submit themselves humbly to the verdict of the electorate,” the ADC said.

The party also vowed to resist any attempt to interfere with the outcome of the election.

“Any attempt, overt or covert, to subvert the will of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders will be firmly resisted through every means at our disposal,” the statement read.

The ADC insisted that no declaration of war or political pressure would override the voice of the electorate in the February 21 polls.

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