Labour Urges FG to Halt Anti-Poor Policies Affecting Workers’ Welfare
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Labour unions have once again raised alarms over policies they describe as anti-poor, calling on the federal government to prioritise the welfare of workers amid rising economic hardship in Nigeria. The call came during the 1st Quadrennial and 9th National Delegates Conference of the Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA) held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Labour Leaders Decry Economic Hardship
PERESSA President, Rufus Olusesan, who was re-elected unopposed, condemned what he described as anti-poor policies by the federal government. Speaking to stakeholders, he highlighted that inflation and unemployment continue to erode the purchasing power of workers, creating widespread economic insecurity.
Olusesan emphasised, “Electricity tariffs have soared, while the potential introduction of a 5 per cent fuel tax under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 could push living costs even higher. Workers and ordinary Nigerians are already struggling with wage erosion, high food prices, and unaffordable basic services.”
He further argued that public statements by government officials dismissing the fuel tax as “false and misleading” reflect a troubling trend of rhetoric that undermines public trust, while economic pressures quietly escalate behind closed doors.
Criticism of Minimum Wage and Subsidy Policies
The labour leader noted that the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage is insufficient to alleviate poverty due to rampant inflation, naira devaluation, and persistent corruption. He described the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023 as a move that inflated pump prices from N197 to nearly N1,000 per litre, exacerbating hardship for families and small businesses alike.
PERESSA also voiced strong opposition to the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) 2025, arguing that it threatens legitimate union activities, criminalises the right to strike, and entrenches poverty wages under the guise of industrial harmony.
Call for Unity Among Labour Movements
Deputy General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ismail Bello, urged labour groups to unite against employers who undermine workers’ rights. He stressed that no employer has the authority to interfere in union organisation or workers’ freedom of association. “Workers must collectively resist attempts to suppress their rights, and ensure fair treatment in all sectors,” Bello added.
Economic Implications for Workers and Families
Akahi News gathered that labour leaders are increasingly concerned that ongoing economic policies, including subsidy removals and inflationary pressures, threaten the survival of ordinary Nigerians. Families face mounting challenges in paying for education, healthcare, and basic necessities, while factory closures continue to increase unemployment.
The unions’ stance underscores a broader call for the government to balance revenue-generating measures with the need to protect the livelihoods of the working class, ensuring policies are both fair and sustainable.
Akahi News will continue to monitor developments on labour-government engagements and policy responses to these growing concerns.
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