NLC President Joe Ajaero Addresses Meeting With Tinubu, Outlines Future Steps

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had a discussion with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in preparation for their planned nationwide protest concerning insecurity. In a bid to convince the union to call off today’s action, President Tinubu met with the labour leadership. Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, headed the delegation during the meeting on Tuesday evening at the State House in Abuja.

After the discussions, Ajaero informed reporters that the union would continue its internal discussions regarding the conversation’s outcome before making a final decision. The meeting, which took place behind closed doors, attracted significant public attention due to the impending mass protests and the possibility of strike action. Ajaero characterized the interaction as a consultation rather than a definitive negotiation, emphasizing that the leadership of labour would first consult its internal bodies before any public declaration.

“We came for a consultation with the President, and we have completed it. We need to reconvene with our members and will continue tomorrow. By Wednesday, we should have a clearer outcome,” he stated. When asked if the NLC was still set on proceeding with the protest, Ajaero refrained from giving a definitive answer, highlighting that decisions within the congress are made collectively rather than by any single individual.

“If I’m insisting or not, I’ll communicate that to you. This organization is not led by one person. We will review everything the President has shared with us and proceed from there,” he asserted. Also in attendance was Imo State Governor and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, who emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue for resolving issues between labor and the government.

“Consultation is continuing,” he remarked. “We have been engaging in dialogue, and as Ajaero indicated, the outcome will ultimately be conveyed to the public.” The NLC is anticipated to reveal early Wednesday whether they will proceed with the planned protest or choose to suspend it.