The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has openly criticized the nationwide strike initiated by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). Through an official statement, the NDYC asserts that instead of easing economic difficulties, the strike action is exacerbating Nigeria’s already precarious situation.
While the NDYC acknowledges the legitimate concerns of Nigerian workers regarding inadequate minimum wages, it maintains that such issues cannot be resolved by disruptive strikes that cripple essential services. The statement explicitly states that the root causes of inflation and economic turmoil stem from systemic problems that require comprehensive policy reforms, not temporary solutions or crippling industrial actions.
The NDYC has emphasized the need for a holistic approach focused on economic reform, rather than merely increasing the minimum wage, as the key to achieving genuine and lasting improvement in the living conditions of Nigerians. Specific areas highlighted include addressing poor infrastructure, inconsistent government policies, corruption, and inefficiencies in governance.
Moreover, the NDYC has deemed it highly irresponsible and detrimental for essential services workers, such as those in the electricity, airport, and transportation sectors, to participate in the strike. The statement argues that the cessation of these critical services only serves to aggravate the suffering of the masses, leading to widespread hardship, economic stagnation, and paralysis of commerce and mobility.
In a formal call to action, the NDYC has urged the NLC and TUC to immediately reconsider their strategy and terminate the national strike. According to the statement, the ongoing industrial action is causing economic regression, inflicting harm on small businesses, and subjecting Nigerians to untold hardships.
The NDYC has reiterated its commitment to advocating for the well-being of all Nigerians and promoting sustainable solutions that foster economic stability and growth. It has called upon all stakeholders to prioritize the collective good of the nation and engage in meaningful discussions aimed at addressing the root causes of economic challenges through policy reforms.