The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has come under blistering criticism for allegedly abandoning the core mandate of organised labour and embarking on what has been described as a calculated mission to discredit the Tinubu administration.
Since the beginning of the year, Ajaero’s actions and public statements have raised alarm among observers who accuse him of pursuing a partisan agenda rather than genuine advocacy for Nigerian workers.
His Easter message, expected to be a solemn religious reflection, was instead turned into a political tirade aimed at inciting workers against the government. At the International Labour Organization (ILO) sessions, Ajaero reportedly maligned Nigeria before the international community, portraying the Tinubu administration as anti-worker despite evidence of reforms and interventions designed to improve welfare.
Elder statesman, rights activist, lawyer, and cyber security consultant based in Abuja, Akin Oluwarotimi, condemned Ajaero’s posture, describing it as intellectually dishonest and politically motivated. Oluwarotimi argued that while no government is perfect, it is unfair for Ajaero to refuse to acknowledge President Tinubu’s record as a labour-friendly leader.
From wage negotiations to social protection measures, the administration has demonstrated commitment to advancing workers’ interests. Yet, Ajaero has consistently weaponised his office to project hostility, painting a distorted picture that serves partisan agendas rather than the genuine concerns of workers.
His Independence Day message and subsequent podcast appearances, critics say, further expose a troubling pattern: Ajaero has never acknowledged any progress under Tinubu’s leadership, instead portraying the government as perpetually “aloof” and hostile.
“This relentless negativity is not the voice of organised labour; it is the voice of political opportunism,” Oluwarotimi declared, warning that Ajaero’s approach risks eroding public trust in the NLC and reducing it to a political tool rather than a respected institution of worker advocacy.
Observers also highlight that both the Federal Government and state governments have demonstrated commitment to prompt payment of workers’ salaries and allowances—a significant departure from previous administrations where workers in some states went months or even years without pay. To dismiss these improvements, they argue, is to present a distorted picture of reality.
Workers, they insist, deserve a leader who will fight for fair wages, secure pensions, safe workplaces, and sustainable employment—not one who weaponises the labour movement to score political points.
Oluwarotimi cautioned that if the NLC under Ajaero continues on this path, it will lose its moral authority and credibility. He urged the congress to return to its core mandate—constructive dialogue, evidence-based advocacy, and pragmatic solutions—rather than serving as a megaphone for partisan propaganda.
“The truth is clear: Joe Ajaero is not speaking for the generality of Nigerian workers. He is speaking for political interests that thrive on chaos and confrontation. His approach is reckless, divisive, and counterproductive at a time when Nigeria is undergoing delicate economic reforms and needs stability,” Oluwarotimi stated.
He added: “Labour leaders must embody social responsibility and emotional intelligence when addressing sensitive national issues. Their words and actions carry immense weight, shaping not only the industrial ecosystem but also the broader social and political climate. True labour leadership is not about inciting tension or politicizing grievances. It is about fostering dialogue, building trust, and ensuring that the workplace ecosystem remains stable, productive, and fair.”
Oluwarotimi concluded that Ajaero’s actions have portrayed him as a failed leader, but insisted that he still has the opportunity to reposition the NLC as a credible, respected institution—one that advances workers’ welfare without compromising national stability.
