LAGOS — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep concern over worsening insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship across the country, warning that many Nigerians are now focused on survival rather than productivity.
The labour union maintained that the removal of fuel subsidy and the rising cost of living have continued to place severe pressure on workers and ordinary citizens, while the Federal Government insists it will not restore the subsidy regime.
Speaking in an interview, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, described the nation’s situation as critical, saying insecurity has crippled livelihoods, disrupted economic activities, and forced many citizens out of their communities.
According to him, fear and uncertainty have made it increasingly difficult for workers to function effectively in many parts of the country.
“Everyone in this country knows insecurity has become a major problem. Even government officials admit it. Workers can no longer operate freely in affected areas, and that is a serious concern,” he said.
Ajaero explained that many Nigerians had been displaced from their homes and now live in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, while others are afraid to travel because of growing security threats.
He noted that insecurity had also negatively affected employment opportunities and discouraged investment.
“When you talk about challenges today, it is no longer just about decent work; in many places, there is no work at all. Investors are afraid, and even Nigerians abroad say insecurity is preventing them from returning home.
“Many workers, especially those in rural communities, depend on farming for survival. Once they can no longer access their farms, their means of livelihood collapses,” he added.
The NLC president also questioned the impact of government economic reforms on ordinary Nigerians, arguing that positive economic indicators had not translated into better living conditions.
“If the economy is said to be growing, but transportation costs are unbearable and workers cannot move around freely, how does that growth benefit the average citizen?” he asked.
Ajaero further linked rising fuel prices to global tensions, particularly the crisis involving Iran and the United States, noting that fuel prices reportedly climbed to between N1,300 and N1,400 per litre during the period of uncertainty.
“That shows our economy is vulnerable to global shocks. But when crude oil prices rise and government revenue increases, workers do not feel the benefit,” he said.
He criticised the government for failing to improve workers’ wages despite increasing economic pressure.
“The worker is buying fuel at extremely high prices while salaries remain the same. Government earnings may be improving, but workers are operating at a deficit,” Ajaero stated.
The labour leader also raised concerns over what he described as excessive taxation affecting both formal and informal workers.
“Market women, commercial motorcyclists, and small business operators are paying different forms of levies before they even begin business for the day. Nigerians are groaning under the burden,” he said.
On the issue of alternatives to petrol, Ajaero expressed disappointment over the slow rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure and electric vehicle support systems.
“We were told CNG would reduce transportation costs, but where are the stations? How many Nigerians have actually converted their vehicles? The same problem exists with electric vehicles because there is no supporting infrastructure,” he said.
He further argued that worsening economic hardship amounted to a violation of citizens’ rights.
“When people cannot feed themselves because of poor wages and rising prices, their fundamental rights are already being violated,” he added.
Ajaero also criticised harsh labour conditions in some private organisations, alleging that certain employers subject workers to unsafe and exploitative conditions.
According to him, the Ministry of Labour needs to strengthen workplace inspections to address frequent accidents and poor treatment of workers.
On civic rights, he condemned attempts to restrict peaceful protests and demonstrations by workers.
“Even during Workers’ Day celebrations in some states, security agencies warned against processions, despite the fact that many workers are unpaid and frustrated,” he said.
He noted that the level of frustration in the country had become so severe that even police officers had begun expressing dissatisfaction over their own welfare conditions.
“That shows how deep the crisis has become,” he added.
Meanwhile, the NLC faulted recent comments by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, who stated that the Federal Government would not reintroduce fuel subsidy despite growing public pressure.
An NLC official, who spoke anonymously, described the government’s position as disappointing and insensitive to the realities facing Nigerians.
The official argued that governments around the world often adopt targeted interventions during economic crises and urged the Federal Government to consider alternative support measures.
According to the union, strategic subsidies could be introduced for key sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food production to reduce the prices of goods and services.
The labour union also proposed temporary tax reductions on essential commodities and production materials to help stabilise the economy and ease pressure on consumers.
It further suggested that the government allocate a dedicated volume of crude oil to local refineries for domestic fuel supply in order to stabilise petrol prices amid global market uncertainty.
“The reality is that Nigerians are suffering from global economic shocks without sufficient support. Government must adopt practical and people-oriented policies instead of dismissing every form of intervention,” the official said.
However, speaking during an engagement with international investors in France, Taiwo Oyedele maintained that the Federal Government would not return to the fuel subsidy regime.
According to him, fuel subsidies created distortions in the economy, while price controls would interfere with market operations.
“We will not bring back fuel subsidy because it creates distortions in the economy, and we will not introduce price control because we believe the market should regulate itself,” he said.
Oyedele added that the ongoing global energy situation presents fresh opportunities for Nigeria as countries seek alternative energy markets and investment destinations.
He also highlighted the country’s economic performance, noting that Nigeria recorded significant GDP growth in dollar terms in 2025 as part of efforts to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
The minister stated that the government’s focus remained on ensuring that ongoing reforms eventually translate into measurable benefits for Nigerians.
NLC Warns Insecurity, Hardship Pushing Nigerians to the Brink as FG Rules Out Fuel Subsidy Return
