Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), delivered a compelling message at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Lagos. His address centered on the evolving nature of work in the face of rapid technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), and emphasized the crucial need for collaboration between employers and workers to ensure a just and sustainable future. He underscored the importance of viewing workers not as adversaries but as integral partners in business success, advocating for a balanced approach that embraces innovation while safeguarding workers’ rights and welfare. Ajaero stressed that the sustainability of businesses is intrinsically linked to the well-being of their workforce, arguing that true progress must prioritize human dignity alongside technological advancements. He called for a governance framework that harmonizes these two vital aspects, ensuring that the benefits of innovation are shared equitably and that AI serves humanity rather than replacing it.
Ajaero commended NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, for his progressive leadership and his commitment to fostering a positive relationship with labor organizations. He expressed appreciation for Oyerinde’s understanding of the symbiotic relationship between employers and employees, recognizing that their shared interests contribute to a thriving business environment. This collaborative spirit, Ajaero emphasized, is essential to navigating the complexities of the modern workplace. He urged NECA to join forces with the NLC in addressing critical issues affecting workers across Nigeria, including protecting pension funds, ensuring decent work conditions, and upholding workers’ rights in the face of evolving technological landscape. He highlighted the need for a united front to address these multifaceted challenges effectively.
A key concern raised by Ajaero was the ongoing constitutional review and attempts by some state governors and lawmakers to remove labor issues from the Exclusive Legislative List. He cautioned against this move, warning of the potential for chaos and disruption to the nation’s industrial relations system. He stressed the importance of maintaining a consistent and well-defined legal framework for labor relations at the federal level to avoid fragmented and potentially conflicting regulations across different states. This, he argued, is crucial for maintaining stability and fairness in the labor market. He urged NECA to leverage its influence to prevent this potentially damaging change, highlighting the importance of a unified approach to labor legislation for the benefit of both employers and employees.
The management of workers’ pension and social insurance funds also emerged as a major point of concern. Ajaero criticized what he termed the government’s inappropriate appropriation of 50% of workers’ and employers’ contributions to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) as revenue. He called on NECA to join the NLC in resisting this practice and advocating for the proper constitution of the PENCOM Board according to the law. Protecting these vital funds, he argued, is essential for ensuring the long-term financial security of workers and maintaining their trust in the system. Furthermore, he stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the management of these funds to ensure that they are used for their intended purpose.
Ajaero expressed deep concern over the 2025 International Trade Union Confederation Global Rights Index, which ranked Nigeria among the ten worst countries globally for workers’ rights violations. He described this ranking as a stain on the nation’s conscience and called on NECA members to uphold the law, respect collective bargaining agreements, and prioritize the rights of their employees. He pointed out that violations such as non-payment of wages, union suppression, and unsafe working conditions occur even in enterprises operated by NECA members, urging them to lead by example and create workplaces that are safe, fair, and respectful of workers’ rights. He stressed that ethical business practices are not only morally right but also contribute to a more productive and stable workforce.
Beyond the immediate concerns of the workplace, Ajaero addressed the broader issue of shrinking civic space in Nigeria due to insecurity, repression, and economic exclusion. He emphasized the importance of a unified voice from employers and employees to protect democratic freedoms and promote a more inclusive society. He envisioned the power of a collective voice in advocating for positive change and holding those in power accountable. Ajaero also highlighted the pending agreement to establish a standing committee between the NLC and NECA, emphasizing its potential as a vital platform for continuous dialogue, dispute prevention, and collaborative problem-solving. He reiterated the theme of NECA’s AGM – “The Workplace: Influence of Technology and AI in Business Sustainability” – and urged businesses to place human sustainability at the heart of technological progress. He eloquently stated that “profit without people is an empty pursuit, and progress without justice is a fleeting illusion,” emphasizing that workers are not merely replaceable cogs in the machinery of business but are consumers who contribute to the economic cycle. He concluded by congratulating NECA on its 68th AGM and called for a concerted effort to create workplaces that are not only productive but also just and decent, ensuring fairness and equity for all workers even as technology continues to advance.
