The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the statement made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, which characterized the organized labor’s nationwide strike and the resulting shutdown of the national grid as a “treasonable felony” and “economic sabotage.”
In a statement signed by the NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, the union expressed profound disappointment, viewing the SGF’s comments as contrary to the principles of democracy.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expresses its profound disappointment and strong condemnation of the recent comments made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) regarding the nationwide strike embarked upon by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC),” the statement read.
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“The SGF’s characterization of our legitimate and constitutionally protected industrial action as a ‘treasonable felony’ and ‘economic sabotage’ is not only deeply troubling but also undermines the spirit of constructive dialogue necessary for resolving the ongoing issues.”
The NLC’s demands include the conclusion and signing into law of a new national minimum wage reflecting the current cost of living, a reversal of the electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh, and an end to the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into bands.
The union stressed that these demands are rooted in the need for economic justice and fairness for all Nigerian workers and citizens.
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“The SGF, we are sure, knows those whose actions are treasonable and sabotage our economy. Those who loot our treasury around the country, those who divert public resources meant for hospitals and schools, those who are involved in foreign exchange round-tripping, padding of budgets, and inflating contracts, including those who steal trillions of Naira in the name of subsidy, are the real economic saboteurs who commit a treasonable felony,” the NLC stated.
“These people are in costly Agbada and drive in convoys all around the nation, occupying the corridors of power, and not innocent workers who are not slaves but chose to withdraw their services because of the inhuman treatment meted out to them by the government.”
The NLC criticized the SGF for trivializing the genuine grievances of Nigerian workers, noting his comment about not being able to pay each of his four drivers N100,000 monthly.
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The union highlighted the disconnect between the government and the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, exemplified by the high cost of living, including a 50-kg bag of rice costing N88,000.
“It is unfortunate that the SGF, who presides over the administration of the executive arm of government, which is one of the basic pillars of democracy and is supposed to be a protector and defender of democracy, its various institutions, and its various practices, would be seen making statements that negate these traditions and principles,” the NLC added.
The NLC emphasized that strikes are legal and a civic duty, reminding the SGF that withdrawing workers’ services leads to machines grinding to a halt. The union called on the SGF to retract his statements and approach the ongoing negotiations with the seriousness and respect they deserve.
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“We truly fear for the safety of the lives of our leaders and would want to be reassured to the contrary if we are to continue with this round of negotiation, especially when the government has not offered Nigerian workers anything tangible since relaxing the nationwide strike,” the NLC stated.
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of all Nigerian workers and urged the government to engage in genuine dialogue free from threats and intimidation.
The union vowed to continue pursuing its demands through all legitimate means available, maintaining its commitment to Nigeria and its workers.
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“We will not surrender the trust and confidence Nigerian workers and people have bestowed on us to blackmail by the SGF or any other official. Our commitment is to Nigeria, Nigerian workers, and Nigerian people, and this will continue driving our engagement,” the NLC concluded.