The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the Federal Government to prioritise social dialogue as a key approach to fostering industrial peace and national development in 2025.
The NLC president, Joe Ajaero, made this appeal in a New Year message released on Wednesday in Abuja, titled “In 2025, Hope is Our Collective Resolve.”
Ajaero urged the Federal Government to take social dialogue seriously and honour agreements with trade unions. He described trade unions as organisations that represent the people’s interests and are committed partners in the nation’s progress.
“To create a thriving, democratic nation, we need a system built on the tenets of social dialogue, allowing critical stakeholders to participate actively in nation-building,” Ajaero said. “Such inclusiveness will foster deeper ownership of government policies, ensuring stability and sustainability.”
Ajaero stressed the importance of governance translating into tangible benefits for citizens, noting that the welfare of the people remains the primary justification for the existence of any government.
He urged leaders at all levels to ensure that policies and programmes prioritise the well-being of the population.
The NLC president highlighted the need for full compliance with the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act by all levels of government. He emphasised that ensuring workers’ incomes meet their basic needs is essential to boosting the nation’s productivity.
“In this, we believe there ought to be unanimity between us and government at various levels,” Ajaero stated. “We look forward to fruitful engagement on this with our social partners as we move into 2025.”
Ajaero called on Nigerians to unite in building a nation where workers’ welfare, decent work environments, and the security of life and property are prioritised.
“Let us unite in our resolve to ensure a Nigeria where workers’ welfare, decent work environments, and the security of life and property are prioritised,” he said. “Together, through collective effort and determination, we can transform our nation into one of progress, inclusion, and shared prosperity.”
The NLC president’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between the government and trade unions in achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.
