They Should Thank God – Presidency Fumes Over What NLC, TUC Did
The presidency has stated that organized labor should be grateful Nigeria is not under a military regime, arguing that their demands are unrealistic.
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) benefit from significant freedoms because Nigeria operates under a civilian regime.
Speaking on TVC, Onanuga, criticized the labor unions for shutting down airports and the national grid as part of their strike action.
On Monday, organized labor initiated a strike to demand higher pay. The strike was called off after the Nigerian government agreed to increase the minimum wage and continue further negotiations.
Labor had demanded a minimum wage of N494,000, while the government proposed N60,000. The agreement reached might result in a minimum wage of between N60,000 and above.
Onanuga urged labor unions to act responsibly in their demands. He stated, “Labour should view itself as a partner with the Federal Government, not as an adversary to the Federal Government. Labour should be thankful to God that we are not in a military regime. We are in a civilian regime that allows for freedom of expression.”
He added, “I think that labour overstepped their bounds by shutting down the national grid. At a time when we are complaining about the lack of power, I think that act is extreme. You’re not supposed to shut down the airports on everyone else. Joining the strike should be voluntary.”
He concluded by appealing to labor to be more reasonable in their actions, stating, “They cannot be asking for what they are asking for. It is unrealistic.”
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