Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, has urged labour leaders to aspire to political leadership, saying former union leaders in government have shown the value of workers’ representation in positions of authority.
Ajaero made the call in Birnin Kebbi while addressing members of the NLC National Administrative Council (NAC) during a dinner hosted by Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris.
The NLC president described Kebbi State as a second home for the Congress following the emergence of Idris, a former labour leader, as governor.
Idris previously served as Deputy National President and Acting President of the NLC. Ajaero said his contributions had played a significant role in the growth and influence of the labour movement.
According to Ajaero, the NLC would continue to support efforts to get more former labour leaders into political offices.
He said such positions would provide opportunities to influence government policies and improve workers’ welfare.
Ajaero also commended Governor Idris for what he described as the ongoing transformation of Kebbi State and assured him of the Congress’s continued support.
The NLC president said the Congress had repeatedly visited Kebbi because of its peaceful and secure environment, despite what he described as negative publicity about the state.
He added that the NLC would continue to visit the state and maintain its relationship with the governor.
Governor Idris praises labour leaders
Responding, Governor Idris described the NLC leadership as members of his extended family, saying his experience in the labour movement prepared him for the responsibilities of governance.
The governor dismissed negative reports about Kebbi as opposition propaganda, insisting that his administration had recorded significant progress across various sectors.
Idris also commended the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their cooperation with his administration.
He urged labour leaders to maintain unity and brotherhood among Nigerian workers, stressing that a united labour movement would be better positioned to promote the interests of its members.
The governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of civil servants and other workers in Kebbi State.
The event underscored the continuing relationship between the Kebbi government and organised labour, particularly given the governor’s previous leadership role within the NLC.
