By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised alarm over worsening economic hardship and insecurity across the country, warning that millions of Nigerians are being pushed beyond their limits by rising poverty, violence and harsh government policies.
In a Sallah message issued on Wednesday, the labour union said workers and ordinary citizens were facing unbearable living conditions amid spiralling inflation, insecurity and declining purchasing power.
The statement, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, described the current situation as evidence of policy failure and urged political leaders to address the growing suffering among Nigerians urgently.
“The working class and the poor majority are bleeding under the weight of neoliberal policies,” the union stated.
According to the congress, many families are struggling daily to afford food, transportation, healthcare and education following recent economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government.
The labour body also expressed concern over persistent insecurity across several parts of the country, citing kidnappings, bandit attacks and communal clashes as major threats to national stability and citizens’ welfare.
It warned that insecurity and economic hardship have combined to worsen living conditions nationwide, leaving many Nigerians frustrated and uncertain about the future.
The congress further criticised what it described as extravagant spending by political office holders, while urging citizens to endure painful economic sacrifices.
The NLC maintained that governance should prioritise the welfare of the people through policies that improve living standards, create jobs, and guarantee access to basic social services.
It also urged Nigerians to use the Eid-el-Kabir season not only for celebration and prayers, but for greater civic awareness and democratic participation.
According to the union, future elections would provide citizens another opportunity to demand accountable leadership and evaluate politicians based on their performance.
The congress vowed to continue holding leaders accountable for policies affecting workers and vulnerable Nigerians, insisting that citizens would not forget unfulfilled promises and worsening hardship.
Ajaero stressed that the country urgently requires people-oriented economic policies that address poverty, insecurity and unemployment rather than deepen social and economic pressure on citizens.
