The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to implement policies that would alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, said this in a report jointly signed by Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, NLC General Secretary, at the end of an emergency meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

The statement was issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) to assess the welfare of Nigerian workers and the general populace in light of the hardship.

Ajaero said that the NEC in session demanded the reversal of all the “ill-conceived policies” that have led to the current economic crisis.

He said that for accountability, NEC calls for an independent investigation into the killings and mutilation of protesters.

“Those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their families.

“All the peaceful protesters held illegally and unconstitutionally in government’s custody must be free without delay,” he said.

He urged the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

Ajaero called on the government to implement immediate relief measures to alleviate the suffering of workers and the general populace.

He said these include the provision of direct food aid, subsidies on essential commodities, and other social safety nets.

“The NEC calls on the Federal Government to restrain its officials, especially the Minister of Labour and the Registrar of Trade Unions, from seeking to curtail our rights as workers and trade unions to political participation.

“We demand the immediate withdrawal of that insensitive and misplaced unrequested advice from the Registrar of Trade Unions, to avert industrial crisis.

“The NEC finally calls on all Nigerian workers to remain united and resolute in their demands for better governance.

“Solidarity is our strength, and together, we can amplify the voices of the people and demand justice and accountability,” he said.

He added that NEC directs all workers across the country to continue to keep themselves safe in the midst of the posttest as the masses try to make their voices heard.

VANGUARD