The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government to vacate its secretariat in Benin City. The directive, which was conveyed in a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, followed a NEC meeting in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday.

The statement indicated that the deadline would expire on January 8, 2025. The NLC demanded that the police vacate the secretariat premises, return all confiscated properties, and refrain from further interference in trade union activities.

The union condemned the actions of the Edo State Police Command and Governor Monday Okpebholo, accusing them of orchestrating an invasion of the NLC state secretariat. It described the incident as a "brazen act of impunity" involving the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items to impose illegitimate leadership on workers.

“Failure to comply with these demands will compel the Congress to initiate unprecedented measures in defense of workers and trade union rights,” the NLC warned.

The NEC meeting, held partly to launch the Southeast region's Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus Services, also addressed pressing issues affecting Nigerian workers and the general populace. Key concerns included the worsening socio-economic conditions resulting from government policies, which have exacerbated hardship and deepened survival crises across the country.

The NLC expressed alarm over persistent cash scarcity, which has crippled business activities nationwide. It decried the situation where Nigerians are forced to forfeit 5% of their funds each time they access cash, calling it an exploitative burden on the struggling populace.

“This situation poses a disproportionate challenge to small businesses and informal economy operators, further worsening the plight of workers and the masses,” the statement read.

The union urged the federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure adequate cash availability to support small business transactions and stimulate economic growth.

The NLC criticized the exclusion of organized labor from discussions surrounding the Tax Bill currently before the National Assembly. It called for broader consultations, emphasizing the need for a fair and equitable tax system that prioritizes fiscal discipline, transparency, and tangible benefits for citizens.

“The politicization of the bill and alienation of key stakeholders undermine its potential to revamp the economy and develop our nation. If labor is not at the table, it is effectively on the menu,” the union asserted.

The NEC expressed grave concern over the worsening insecurity in the country, revealing that Nigerians paid a staggering N2.23 trillion in ransom this year, with 614,937 lives lost and 2,235,954 individuals kidnapped.

“This appalling state of insecurity underscores the urgent need for decisive government action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and uphold the rule of law,” the NLC said, noting that many victims were workers.

The union reiterated its commitment to defending workers' rights and ensuring that policies and legislation align with the interests of Nigerian citizens. It urged the government to address these pressing issues through inclusive dialogue and decisive action.