Presidency criticizes Labour demands, urges gratitude for civilian regime

Organized labour should be thankful Nigeria is not under a military regime and their demands are unrealistic, according to the presidency.

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) enjoy significant freedoms due to the civilian government.

Onanuga criticized the labour unions for shutting down airports and the national grid during their recent nationwide strike. He urged the unions to see themselves as partners with the Federal Government, not adversaries.

The strike, which began on Monday, was called off after the government and labour unions agreed to increase the minimum wage and continue further negotiations.

Labour had demanded N494,000, while the government proposed N60,000; the final agreement might see the latter paying between N60,000 to N100,000.

Onanuga 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. I will appeal to labour to be more responsible in their reaction. They cannot be asking for what they are asking for. It is unrealistic.”