Politics
THE Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria (LACAN) has urged the Federal Government to make economic reforms more worker-friendly and strengthen social protection measures to cushion their impact on workers.
The association also called on federal, state and local governments to expedite negotiations on the new National Minimum Wage and ensure compliance with existing wage agreements.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of LACAN’s 3rd Annual Conference, held on Oct. 29 in Abuja, with the theme: “The Future of Work: Minimum Wage, Economic Reforms and 2027 Elections”.
The communiqué, issued on Saturday, was jointly signed by Mr Michael Oche, Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, and Mr Bakare Adeniyi, Secretary to the committee.
According to the association, workers are facing severe economic pressure due to inflation, rising cost of living and removal of subsidies, making the full implementation of a living minimum wage imperative.
“Economic reforms, though necessary, must be accompanied by strong social protection measures and palliatives to protect workers and vulnerable Nigerians.
“Industrial harmony can only be guaranteed through genuine social dialogue, mutual respect and faithful implementation of agreements by government and employers,” the association stated.
To address the economic challenges, the conference urged government to introduce palliatives, including transport support, wage awards and social security interventions, to protect workers from rising living costs.
It also called for increased funding and political commitment to enable the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) expand its skills acquisition, vocational training and entrepreneurship programmes nationwide.
The association identified unemployment and underemployment, particularly among young people, as major challenges requiring urgent government intervention to promote decent work and sustainable livelihoods.
On productivity, LACAN urged the National Productivity Centre (NPC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to develop a national productivity framework.
It said the framework should link improved productivity with appropriate rewards and national competitiveness to support sustainable wage increases and economic growth.
The conference also urged the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to institutionalise regular tripartite dialogue involving government, employers and organised labour to prevent industrial disputes.
LACAN urged organised labour to engage political parties and candidates to make workers’ welfare, job creation and social protection priorities in their manifestos ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It encouraged workers to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process to influence policies affecting their economic and social welfare.
On energy security, the conference called on government to engage the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and other oil and gas unions in developing energy transition policies.
It said such engagement would help safeguard jobs while strengthening national energy security amid changing global energy dynamics.
The association further urged its members to uphold professionalism, objectivity, fact-checking and developmental journalism in reporting labour, employment and economic issues.
It noted that responsible labour reporting remained essential to strengthening democracy, promoting industrial harmony and ensuring accountability among government, employers and organised labour.
The conference commended stakeholders, speakers and participants for their contributions and urged government, employers and labour centres to ensure faithful implementation of the resolutions.
It resolved to reconvene in 2027 to assess implementation of the resolutions and review emerging issues affecting workers, employment and industrial relations in Nigeria. (NAN)
A.I
Nov. 7, 2026
Tags: LACAN Mr Michael Oche NECA