NLC Rejects Move to Remove Labour Issues from Exclusive Legislative List, Vows to Picket Lawmakers
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has taken a firm stance against proposed constitutional amendments that would transfer labour matters from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, warning of nationwide protests targeting lawmakers who support such changes.
NLC’s Strong Opposition to Constitutional Changes
In a strongly worded communiqué issued after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting and signed by President Joe Ajaero, the NLC described the proposed move as detrimental to workers’ rights and the national economy. The labour union emphasized that maintaining labour issues on the Exclusive Legislative List is crucial for protecting workers’ interests and ensuring economic stability.
“Labour issues must remain in the Exclusive Legislative list to avert negative implications for workers and the economy,” the NLC declared, characterizing the proposal as an attempt to further impoverish Nigerian workers.
Planned Industrial Action Against Supportive Lawmakers
The labour movement announced plans for mass mobilization across Nigeria to picket the offices of any National Assembly member found supporting the removal of labour issues from the Exclusive List. This threat of direct action underscores the NLC’s determination to resist what it views as an attack on workers’ rights.
Broader Socioeconomic Concerns
The CWC meeting addressed multiple pressing issues affecting Nigerian workers and citizens:
- Economic Hardship: The NLC expressed grave concern about escalating living costs, with workers bearing the brunt of inflation, surging food prices, and transport costs
- Constitutional Review: Warned against treating the constitutional amendment process as routine, calling it an opportunity to address structural imbalances
- Security Crisis: Condemned the deteriorating security situation, citing reports of nearly 700,000 lives lost to insecurity in one year
- Local Government Autonomy: Demanded release of withheld Osun State local government allocations
Security Situation and Economic Impact
The NLC painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s security landscape, comparing the death toll to nations at war. The labour union directly linked food price inflation to insecurity preventing farmers from accessing their lands.
“When farmers can no longer access their lands to farm, famine becomes a looming danger. The present high prices of food in the country can only be attributed to insecurity,” the communiqué stated.
The NLC called for immediate, decisive action from security agencies rather than continued promises and discussions.
Osun State Local Government Funds Controversy
The labour congress strongly condemned the withholding of statutory allocations to Osun State local governments, describing it as unconstitutional interference. The NLC demanded:
- Immediate release of all withheld funds
- Retraction of unlawful directives by the Attorney-General
- Cessation of political interference in local government autonomy
Workers’ Rights and Union Membership
The NLC also addressed violations of the Trade Union Act 2005, particularly employers forcing workers into specific unions. The congress:
- Affirmed workers’ right to freely choose their unions
- Condemned employer interference as illegal and against international labour standards
- Directed affiliate unions to resist such practices and picket offending employers
Transportation and CNG Infrastructure
While acknowledging the government’s donation of CNG buses, the NLC called for accelerated rollout of Compressed Natural Gas infrastructure nationwide to reduce transportation costs. The union emphasized that such measures could help mitigate inflationary pressures on households.
The NLC’s comprehensive statement reflects growing worker discontent amid Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, positioning the labour movement as a key voice in national policy debates.
Credit: Business Day Nigeria