The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) - which makes up the organized labour - have called on the Federal Government to make sure that policies are not only drafted with great intentions to make life better for Nigerians, but also that they should be without nepotism and strong-arm tactics.

In a New Year messages, the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Festus Osifo, stressed on the importance of policy shifts, with the reduction of the exchange rate, industrial peace, respect for the rule of law, and adherence to the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act taking the centre stage.

They highlighted the importance of policies that deliver tangible benefits to citizens, as well as the principles of transparency, honesty, and inclusivity in governance.

According to both unions, labour would ask for a review of workers' wage if the economy continues to weaken workers purchasing power.

Ajaero said: “As we move into 2025, we urge the Federal Government to prioritize industrial peace by taking social dialogue seriously, pursuing pro-human-progress policies, and respecting agreements with trade unions. The increasing use of violence in engagements with workers and unions must cease, as it is a recipe for industrial disharmony.

“Trade unions, as a pan-people organisation, remain committed partners in progress, striving for the development of Nigeria while protecting the rights of workers and citizens at large. We have a very large stake in our nation and are compelled to seek optimal outcomes from government policies. While we urge governments to govern well, they must understand that we are responsible to our members, and that we cannot shirk.

“Governments at all levels must comply with the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act from the beginning of the year. Furthermore, given the economic realities imposed by recent government policies, we shall engage the government for a wage review to safeguard workers’ welfare. Our nation will become more productive when workers’ incomes meet their basic needs, enabling them to commit more to their work. We look forward to fruitful engagements with our social partners on this matter in 2025.”

Ajaero also encouraged the government to make sure that governance becomes beneficial to citizens.

“The welfare of citizens remains the primary justification for the existence of any government. Access to food and nutrition, better healthcare, quality housing, education, transportation, and greater security of lives and properties, including the right to participate in decisions on how they are ruled, are key expectations. Policies must reflect transparency, honesty, and inclusivity, devoid of chicanery, nepotism, and strong-arm tactics,” he noted.

Osifo also called for a redoubling of efforts to tackle economic hardship, stressing on the importance for practical policies to ease the burden on Nigerians.

“As 2025 begins, we expect governments at all levels to redouble their efforts at addressing economic hardships for the safety of everyone. The government must consider how its policies affect the micro-economy of Nigerians because that is what affects you and me.

“It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the welfare of its citizens is prioritised. Today, hunger is excruciating, and we strongly believe that with strong collaboration between the federal, state, and local governments, policies can be created to ensure that farmers return to their fields. More importantly, the government must ensure security across Nigeria,” Osifo said.