Chukwu Obinna 
NLC President, Joe Ajaero
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticised the federal government and powerful employers for violating workers’ rights and eroding Decent Work principles, warning that there will be “no sacred cows” in enforcing labour laws.
In a message to mark the World Day for Decent Work, NLC President Joe Ajaero accused the state and some private companies of fostering a “culture of impunity.”
He said fair wages, safe workplaces, and the right to organise are being undermined, jeopardising national productivity.
“Decent work is the foundation of national development,” Ajaero declared. “When the government sides with the oppressor, it fuels a class war it cannot sustain.”
The union condemned Vice President Kashim Shettima’s description of the Dangote Group as a “national asset,” saying it implied the firm was above labour laws. “That mindset is a national tragedy,” Ajaero said.
The NLC accused Dangote Industries of violating workers’ rights to unionise and blamed government silence for encouraging lawlessness. It also cited job losses at the NLNG Train 7 project in Bonny, Rivers State, alleging that local workers were replaced by foreigners.
“No company is bigger than Nigeria,” Ajaero stressed. “We will organise, mobilise, and fight back.”
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Korede Abdullah