At the 2024 “Harmattan School” in Abuja, Mr. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), spoke candidly about the difficult year workers in Nigeria have faced. The event, with the theme “Trade Unions and the Quest for a New Social Contract,” serves as a key platform for worker education, capacity-building, and strategic planning, bringing together labor leaders from across the country.
A Year of Hardship and Intimidation for Workers
Ajaero began his speech by acknowledging the significant challenges workers have experienced over the past year. He described 2024 as a year filled with “harrowing hardship,” marking one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the labor movement. He reflected on the serious threats and intimidation the NLC faced, including attacks on the organization’s capacity to function effectively. Ajaero expressed his concerns about the government’s attempt to undermine the NLC’s efforts, but also emphasized the strength and resilience that emerged from these difficult circumstances.
Strengthening Workers Through Education and Unity
The NLC President encouraged participants in the Harmattan School to actively engage in the training provided. He explained that the aim was to equip workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to negotiate a new social contract with the government. According to Ajaero, the Harmattan School provides an opportunity for the NLC to reflect on the year’s challenges, assess their actions, and develop strategic measures to strengthen the movement.
“We have emerged stronger, more resilient, and better positioned to meet the expectations of Nigerian workers and the broader population,” Ajaero stated. He emphasized that the NLC’s primary responsibility remains the protection of workers’ rights and that the organization must remain focused on ensuring better working conditions for all Nigerians.
The Role of Trade Unions in Shaping Nigeria’s Future
Dr. Vanessa Phala, Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Nigeria, also addressed the gathering, urging trade unions to unite and collaborate with the government to address the mounting challenges workers face. Phala emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust in institutions and creating a new social contract that is inclusive and participatory. She acknowledged that while the newly negotiated minimum wage had been a step forward, the rising costs of goods and services were still eroding its impact, making it difficult for workers to experience the improvements they hoped for.
She called on the Harmattan School to focus on finding solutions that will drive Nigeria’s development forward, particularly by identifying the priorities of the NLC and engaging in constructive dialogue with the country’s leadership. Phala stressed that a new social contract should address the real needs of workers and foster sustainable change.
Looking Forward to a More Inclusive Social Contract
As the Harmattan School continues, both Ajaero and Phala’s messages highlight the urgency of developing a social contract that prioritizes workers’ rights and the country’s broader development goals. The training and discussions at the Harmattan School aim to empower the NLC and its affiliates to advocate more effectively for policies that benefit Nigerian workers and help shape a stronger, fairer society.
