Favour Ozioma Ogbodo
In a noteworthy turn of events at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28), the National Labour Congress (NLC) took the stage to advocate for the introduction of safety nets for workers, sparking diverse reactions among Nigerians.
The NLC President, Ajaero Joe, along with a panel of discussants, addressed a side event on December 5th in Dubai. They passionately conveyed the urgent need for a safety net for workers as the global community navigates through a transformative period.
Under the banner of “Justice for workers in the just transition,” the NLC ororganised this side event to champion workers’ rights and support their cause amidst the growing momentum for cleaner energy worldwide.
President Ajaero underscored the potential of a transition to cleaner energy, while emphasising the creation of approximately 100,000 megawatts or more, which would not only bring about energy sufficiency, but also eradicate power poverty.
During the event, Ajaero stated, “This diversification in the process of bringing clean energy will create more jobs and not job losses. Yes, we battle to reduce emissions; however, more jobs will be created. These are virgin areas that, if we manage well and check the level of emissions, we’ll have more workers working.”
However, the NLC’s decision to focus on environmental concerns and the just transition drew a barrage of responses on social media. Some Nigerians expressed concern that the NLC was deviating from the crucial issue of timely payment of workers’ salaries and the pressing need to increase the minimum wage.
Twitter user @Frank2zee lamented, “Workers are suffering. No November salary till now. No wage award since October. We need the minimum wage to be at least 200k.”
@Egosinach questioned the relevance of the NLC’s stance, asking, “What does this add to Nigeria’s workers’ account? Can this jamboree increase salary? Can this travel make pensioners get their pay every month across every state? This is misplaced priority because workers are dying in hunger, and some are paid in percentage. NLC, wake up.”
Another user, @afc_loya, went further to express dissatisfaction, stating, “NLC is a useless organization.”
These contrasting opinions highlight the delicate balance the NLC faces in addressing both the pressing economic concerns of workers and advocating for environmentally conscious policies.
In response to the criticism, NLC representatives have reaffirmed their commitment to comprehensive advocacy, asserting that the fight for workers’ rights encompasses not only immediate financial needs but also long-term considerations for a sustainable and equitable future.
