The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says the Eid-el-Kabir celebration should inspire Nigerians to intensify the struggle against hardship, insecurity and anti-people policies.

The NLC president, Joe Ajaero, said this in a Sallah message issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Ajaero congratulated Muslim faithful on the celebration, describing Eid-el-Kabir as a season of sacrifice, obedience and sober reflection.

“As we mark Eid-el-Kabir, this celebration should be different because the working class and poor majority are bleeding under neoliberal economic policies,” he said.

He said many Nigerians were frustrated and vulnerable due to worsening poverty, hardship and insecurity across the country.

“Our policy choices should reflect the right understanding by placing workers over capital and people over profit,” Mr Ajaero stated.

He urged leaders to reflect deeply on the impact of their decisions on ordinary Nigerians struggling with hunger, unemployment and rising living costs.

“Governance is not about winning in the media or wishful thinking. It is about security of lives and the provision of necessities,” he said.

The labour leader described worsening insecurity as a major threat to national survival.

“Millions cannot sleep with their eyes closed, neither can they travel our roads freely without fearing for their lives,” he said.

Mr Ajaero urged political leaders to demonstrate sacrifice and accountability, and not place more economic burdens on already suffering citizens.

“This season demands that our leaders search themselves and decide to work for a Nigeria that serves the majority and not the privileged few,” he said.

The NLC president also warned politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying workers and ordinary Nigerians would not forget broken promises.

“Every vote must be a weapon against hunger, insecurity and exploitation,” he said.

Mr Ajaero called on Nigerians to use the festive season for prayer, political education, grassroots mobilisation and national unity.

He said the labour movement would continue defending workers and resisting policies capable of worsening suffering among Nigerians. 

(NAN)