NLC Replies Senate President Akpabio’s Economic Sabotage Allegation

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly refuted Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s claim that the recent nationwide strike by organized labour constitutes economic sabotage. The NLC, alongside the Trade Union Congress (TUC), commenced the strike on June 3 in response to the federal government’s refusal to finalize national minimum wage negotiations, reverse electricity tariff hikes, and end discriminatory consumer classifications.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, condemned Akpabio’s remarks as “baseless and deeply troubling,” asserting that the strike reflects the frustration of Nigerian workers facing severe economic hardships and deteriorating working conditions.

“Senator Akpabio’s statements undermine the democratic principles the Senate professes to uphold,” Upah stated. “The National Assembly, being the closest arm of government to the people, should understand the people’s sentiments and let these guide their actions and pronouncements accordingly.”

Upah emphasized that strikes are a legal and civic duty, serving as a critical tool for holding authorities accountable. He accused the political elite of being the true economic saboteurs due to acts of corruption and abuse of power over the past 25 years, rather than the workers exercising their constitutional right to strike.

The NLC urged patriotic members of the Senate and House of Representatives to distance themselves from Akpabio’s comments, insisting that Nigerian workers have lawfully exercised their right to strike in response to unfair labor practices.

“The economic issues prompting the strike, such as electricity tariff hikes and unfair consumer classifications, exacerbate poverty and inequality,” Upah noted, adding that the political elite are insulated from these burdens.

The NLC reiterated its commitment to advocating for fair economic policies and a realistic national minimum wage, reminding the government of labor unions’ crucial role in restoring democracy in Nigeria.

The union also criticized Akpabio’s “subtle threat” of moving into an Executive Session to address the strike, describing it as contemptuous of open and transparent parliamentary debate. They called on Akpabio to recognize his role as Senate President, not as Chairman of a military council, and to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the issues.

“We will not be intimidated by such unfortunate statements from the hallowed chambers of the Senate and expect due apologies if it was a slip. Any attempt to undermine legitimate labour actions will not be acceptable to us,” Upah concluded.