By JOAN NWAGWU

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for justice and fair treatment for all workers as it joins the rest of the world to mark the Decent Work Day.

NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing that the rights and welfare of workers must not be compromised.

Ajaero said the day provided an opportunity to demand an end to exploitation and impunity in workplaces across Nigeria.

He urged government and private employers to uphold the four pillars of decent work, job creation, social protection, rights at work, and social dialogue.

According to him, the principles of decent work were being undermined by both government agencies and some private employers, thereby sabotaging industrialization and economic diversification.

Ajaero said no nation could achieve true development while repressing workers’ rights and promoting inequality.

Commenting on the dispute between Dangote Group and its workers, Ajaero said no company in Nigeria was above the law or should disregard workers’ rights.

He accused the company of violating employees’ freedom of association and commended the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for defending its members.

The NLC president said it was dangerous to frame legitimate union activities as sabotage, urging government to protect workers instead of taking a side with powerful employers.

Ajaero called for strict enforcement of labour laws and an end to the “sacred cow syndrome,” saying the protection of vulnerable workers must remain a national priority. (NAN)