The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced deep dissatisfaction with the deteriorating socio-economic landscape in the nation, asserting that Nigerian workers and the general populace are enduring hardships they did not agree to.
This aligns with the Labour Party's (LP) appeal for Nigerians to draw strength from the Easter celebrations and maintain hope, regardless of the current challenging circumstances.
The labour organization, in its Easter message, lamented the intensifying levels of poverty, insecurity, and failures in governance. It implored leaders to demonstrate sacrifice and commit to policies that serve the people.
Furthermore, the NLC encouraged Nigerians to use the Easter period to strengthen their resolve in demanding accountability and opposing measures that inflict suffering on the populace, emphasizing that genuine transformation can only be achieved through collective action and unity.
In the message, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated, “As we observe Easter this year, the Nigeria NLC commends the resilience, unwavering spirit, and daily efforts of Nigerian workers and the masses in their pursuit of dignity, justice, and a better life.
“This occasion transcends mere religious observance; it serves as a moment for profound ideological clarity. It reminds us that God’s boundless love for humanity was not conveyed through abstract declarations but through the ultimate act of sacrifice—the offering of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to liberate humanity from sin and death.
“Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross was for the redemption of all mankind, not for personal gain. Conversely, the sacrifices being demanded of Nigerian workers today are ones we never accepted: the sacrifice of our earnings to profiteering, the sacrifice of our safety due to insecurity, and the sacrifice of our lives due to ineffective governance. Meanwhile, many leaders remain detached, protected by security and vehicles, unwilling to make any substantial sacrifice.
“We urge Nigerian leaders to take inspiration from the Cross. Governance should be a platform for selfless service, not an opportunity for personal enrichment. Those in positions of power must recognize that policies are meant to liberate, not to oppress.
“Just as Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross defeated the forces of darkness and oppression, we demand that the government utilize its authority to dismantle the pervasive grip of poverty, exploitation, insecurity, and decaying infrastructure that affects our citizens.
“Currently, the escalating cost of transportation places a severe strain on workers, consuming their wages, their time, and reducing daily existence to a fight for survival. The persistent lack of electricity is more than a technical issue; it's a form of widespread disempowerment. It stifles industries, devastates small businesses, and plunges homes into darkness, denying the working class a life of dignity.
“We insist that the current hardships be transformed into benefits for the populace through the implementation of policies that restore public transportation, resolve the electricity crisis, combat insecurity, and prioritize the well-being of the majority over the financial gains of a select few.
“We also advocate for governance that is humane and responsive to the needs of the people. The use of state power to suppress workers’ rights, stifle opposition, or enforce austerity measures that benefit a small elite while burdening the majority represents a failure of leadership and contradicts the spirit of this season.
“The resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes victory. Just as Christ triumphed, Nigerian workers will also rise above poverty, exploitation, and poor governance. However, this triumph will not be achieved passively. It requires collective struggle—the organized strength, unity, and determination of the working class to reject injustice.
“The NLC remains committed to this cause. We will continue to strive for a Nigeria where the nation’s resources are utilized for the welfare of the many, not the extravagance of the few.
“We extend warm Easter wishes to all Nigerian Christians, and indeed to all Nigerians.”
In a related development, the Labour Party has encouraged Nigerians to embrace the core messages of Easter and maintain hope, irrespective of the difficulties they face.
Senator Nenadi Usman, the National Chairman of the party, conveyed this message in her Easter address to Nigerians in Abuja on Saturday.
While offering the party’s sincere greetings to Nigerian Christians on the joyous occasion commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the party leader emphasized the importance of never forgetting the lessons of sacrifice and forgiveness.
Usman commented, “The resurrection of Christ—occurring only three days after His profound suffering and death on the Cross—serves as a reminder of the true essence of Christianity: faith, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Even in His final moments, Christ extended forgiveness to His accusers and offered the hope of everlasting life to those present.
“His resurrection powerfully demonstrates that regardless of how daunting or overwhelming our circumstances may seem, faith and perseverance will ultimately lead to victory.
“It is in this spirit that I implore all Nigerians to embrace the lasting lessons of Easter, particularly the virtues of forgiveness, hope, and unwavering faith.
“While we urge those in leadership positions to increase their efforts in alleviating the suffering of the Nigerian people, I also appeal to our citizens to retain their hope.
“Just as the disciples held steadfast to the promise of Christ’s resurrection, so too must we remain firm in our belief in a brighter future for our nation.
“At this critical juncture in our national history, I call upon all Nigerians to reflect on the state of our country and the role each of us must play in forging a more unified and equitable society.
“Whether we hold positions of authority or are ordinary citizens, we all share a common responsibility to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress.
“While we rightly expect vision and direction from our leaders, we must also remain dedicated to our individual responsibilities of upholding integrity, diligence, and patriotism in all our endeavors.
“On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish all Nigerian Christians a peaceful, introspective, and joyful Easter celebration.”
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