By Damilola Olufemi
Over time, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has been a vocal advocate for workers’ rights and social justice in Nigeria. However, over the past five years, Labour’s threats—widely reported in the media—have been increasingly dismissed as empty rhetoric, failing to inspire real action.
Many stakeholders believe these pronouncements are mere political theatrics, designed to deceive the public into believing that the NLC still champions the struggles of ordinary citizens.
With low turnout at protests and strikes across the nation, Labour’s influence appears to be fading, raising doubts about its relevance in today’s political landscape. Yet, some still argue that the NLC remains a formidable force, capable of shaping national policies when the stakes are high.
In this report, Damilola Olufemi examines the effectiveness of the NLC’s actions in the eyes of the Nigerian public, particularly considering its recent threats to shut down operations over the planned electricity tariff hike.
Recently, the Labour union threatened to embark on a strike over data tariff increases and epileptic power supply across the country. The union issued a warning to mobilize workers and citizens nationwide in protest if the Federal Government proceeds with the proposed electricity tariff hike.
This comes as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) also warned the Federal Government against the planned tariff increase, arguing that Nigerians should not be paying for darkness.
The union stated: “It is an economic violence against the working class and the broader Nigerian populace.”
While the NLC has previously issued threats without follow-through, its recent stance on data tariff hikes and the failing power supply has been particularly contentious.
Does the NLC Still Matter?
Public sentiment on Labour’s effectiveness remains divided. For some, the NLC remains an important voice for Nigerians, defending the rights of workers and citizens against unfavourable government policies.
Lagos resident Tunde Oyedele expressed support for the union, stating: “The NLC has been a voice for the voiceless. They’re fighting for our rights, and we should support them.”
Similarly, another Lagos resident, Kazeem Alimi, commended the union for standing up against government policies that negatively affect Nigerians.
“The NLC has been doing well. It has actually been standing up for Nigerians against unfavourable government policies.”
However, others remain sceptical, arguing that while the NLC has historically played a strong role, its failure to take decisive action in recent years has weakened its credibility.
Nigerians React to Ineffective NLC
Some stakeholders see the threats as a necessary step to push for change. Others argue that it will only lead to more hardship for the largely impoverished citizens.
One of the many ineffectiveness of the NLC recently was the national protest in 2024, which recorded a low turnout across the country.
In Rivers State, there was a poor turnout that greeted the exercise. The protest couldn’t take off early as NLC officials were waiting for enough people to gather before commencement.
The poor turnout had earlier emerged from the reactions of participants in radio call-in programs. Many expressed a lack of interest in the protest, pointing to their distrust of labour, and complaining that they did not have the people’s welfare at heart. They also pointed to previous alleged failures of the NLC in mobilizing people. The result was the same in Jos, Zamfara, Kano, and FCTA.
Also, in Kaduna where the protest was called by the NLC, the was a low turnout of protesters.
In 2020, the NLC vowed to mount massive pressure on job creation. However, after five years, no impact has been made.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress will mount a very robust campaign for the generation of mass jobs and for already existing jobs to be decent. To this end, the NLC is perfecting plans for a National Job Summit in 2020. We will get stakeholders: experts, policymakers, concerned demographics and workers on a roundtable to find answers and solutions to Nigeria’s burgeoning unemployment crisis,” former President Ayuba Wabba said in 2020.
“I’m not sure if the NLC is really making a difference,” says Abuja resident, Amaka Uzoh. “They keep threatening strikes, but nothing seems to change.”
However, a Benin -City resident and public servant, Paul Chinaza, stated that the NLC may have to devise other options aside from strike to tackle the government’s anti-people policies.
“I understand that the NLC is fighting for our rights, but a strike will only make things harder for us. We’re already struggling to make ends meet.”
Meanwhile, a Public Affairs analyst, Dr. Ibrahim Adebayo, while speaking with New Daily Prime, said that the NLC faces significant challenges in its quest for social justice.
“One of the major challenges is the lack of trust among citizens. Many Nigerians question NLC’s motives and effectiveness. To overcome this, the NLC needs to be more transparent about its activities and finances,” he stated.
He further noted that the NLC’s limited resources are a major hindrance to its effectiveness.
“The NLC needs to form strategic partnerships with other organisations and stakeholders to amplify its voice and mobilise resources. This will enable them to have a more significant impact on policy decisions.”
Dr Adebayo stressed the need for the labour union to adopt innovative approaches to advocacy and mobilisation.
“The NLC needs to think outside the box and come up with creative ways to engage citizens and push for change. This could include leveraging social media, collaborating with influencers, and using data-driven advocacy,” he added.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the NLC’s effectiveness in bringing about positive change in the country is a matter of perspective. While some see it as a powerful force for change, others question its approach and impact.
The NLC’s commitment to social justice is undeniable, but its ability to deliver on its promises remains a subject of debate.
Dr Adebayo noted, “The NLC has a crucial role to play in shaping Nigeria’s future, but it needs to adapt and evolve to remain relevant.”
Only time will tell if the umbrella labour union can overcome its challenges and achieve its set goals. One thing is certain, however: the NLC’s fight for social justice will continue to be a major issue of discourse in Nigeria.
As the NLC moves forward as a catalyst of positive change, it is still essential for Nigerians to remain engaged and informed about its varied activities. By doing so, the citizenry can hold the labour union accountable and ensure that it remains a powerful force for positive change.
Adebayo added, “The NLC’s effectiveness is not just about its ability to deliver on its promises, but also about its ability to inspire and mobilize citizens to demand change. If the NLC can achieve this, then it will truly be a force to be reckoned with.”
Moreover, the NLC’s ability to collaborate with other stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector entities, will be crucial in achieving its goals.
Adebayo further noted, “The NLC cannot do it alone. It needs to build alliances and partnerships to amplify its voice and boost its impact.”
The NLC’s recent engagement with the federal government over the issue of data tariffs and irregular electricity is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to ensure that labour’s demands are met and that Nigerian citizens benefit from its advocacy.
The NLC’s relevance and effectiveness in the polity is a complex issue that requires proper and unbiased evaluation of the many dynamics affecting its functionality.
By adapting to changing circumstances, building alliances, and inspiring citizens to demand change, the NLC can remain a truly potent ally for positive change in Nigeria.
READ ALSO: NLC vows to resist telecoms, electricity tariff hikes
