President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s organised labour movement have expressed contrasting views on the government’s approach to addressing economic hardship and creating sustainable jobs.
President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s labour unions presented opposing visions for economic recovery during May Day celebrations in Abuja. Represented by Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi, Tinubu acknowledged rising living costs and unemployment but pledged job-focused policies, stating: “My administration is intentional in formulating policies that promote job creation and poverty alleviation.” However, NLC and TUC leaders countered that Nigeria’s “rent economy” and manufacturing collapse—with over 60 multinational exits since 2023—render such promises hollow. “How can you talk of job creation when job providers are closing shops?” unions asked.
While Tinubu emphasized protecting workers’ rights and civic engagement, labour leaders demanded concrete action, submitting a 20-point plan for sustainable investment. TUC President Festus Osifo stressed: “Workers are the numbers behind the GDP… without the people, there would be no nation.” The standoff highlights deepening tensions over Nigeria’s economic direction amid worsening hardship.
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