Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, has criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for organizing a nationwide protest, deeming it unnecessary. During an interview with TVC on Tuesday, Ngelale characterized the protest as unwarranted, asserting that the Federal Government has already taken steps to alleviate hardships.
According to Ngelale, any labor union addressing the concerns of Nigerian families and the pains experienced by citizens is entitled to do so. He acknowledged the importance of Nigerians speaking up during difficult times but emphasized that the government has been actively working to address these concerns. Ngelale also distinguished between the legitimate concerns raised by some labor unions and those seeking to exploit the situation for political gain.
He highlighted instances where the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) withdrew from the planned nationwide protest, indicating a lack of unanimity behind the NLC’s actions. Ngelale expressed confidence that the legitimate concerns raised by the unions are being addressed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Meanwhile, members of the NLC staged protests across the country on Tuesday, advocating for an improved economy.