No peace without justice – NLC knocks Shettima for defending Dangote
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticised Vice President Kashim Shettima over his reported comments describing the Dangote Group as a “national asset” that should enjoy special consideration under labour regulations, saying such remarks are “deeply troubling” and undermine the principles of decent work and rule of law.
In a statement on Tuesday marking the 2025 World Day for Decent Work, the NLC insisted that no company or individual, no matter how influential, should be exempt from Nigeria’s labour laws.
The statement signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, described the global commemoration as a reminder that workers’ rights and fair working conditions are fundamental to sustainable national development.
He said: “On this World Day for Decent Work, the Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with millions of Nigerian workers who toil daily under difficult conditions. We use this occasion to call on the Nigerian State and the ruling elites to end the relentless assault on the pillars of decent work. It is in our collective interest to protect these tenets.”
Ajaero reiterated that the Decent Work Agenda promoted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is anchored on four key pillars — job creation, social protection, rights at work, and social dialogue — which, he said, must all be respected for national growth.
“A nation that fails to guarantee fair incomes, safe workplaces, and the right to organize is a nation that actively sabotages its own productive capacity.
“Compliance with the Decent Work Agenda fuels economic growth by building a healthy, skilled, and motivated workforce,” the NLC president said.
Commenting on the Vice President’s statement about the Dangote Group, Ajaero warned that such views could send a dangerous signal that powerful businesses are above the law.
“We are concerned about the statement attributed to the Vice President suggesting that the Dangote Group, because of its strategic importance, should be treated differently. This could be interpreted as encouraging impunity in the world of work,” he said.
“No company, no matter how big or strategic, can operate outside the law or be bigger than Nigeria.”
Ajaero also called on the government to reaffirm its commitment to justice and equality before the law.
“The State’s duty is to protect the weak and vulnerable worker, not to offer them as sacrificial lambs. The era of sacred cows must end.
“There can be no peace without justice. The suppression of workers’ rights and the proliferation of indecent work are threats to our economy and social stability.”
The NLC further urged stronger enforcement of existing labour laws, including the recognition of trade unions across both public and private sectors.
“We demand the strengthening of our labour administration institutions to ensure strict compliance with all laws governing industrial relations. The era of impunity must end,” the statement said.
Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s resolve to continue defending workers’ rights and advancing fair, safe, and dignified employment conditions, stressing that the nation’s prosperity depends on decent work.
“Our human capital remains our core national asset. The NLC, in alliance with the working people of Nigeria, will continue to stand as the vanguard for social justice, fair labour practices, and national development,” the statement added.
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