NLC's Ajaero calls TUC's Osifo 'absentee president' living in US
NLC President Joe Ajaero labeled TUC President Festus Osifo an "absentee president" during a Channels TV interview earlier today, alleging Osifo resides in the United States and only flies into Nigeria for labour meetings before returning abroad.
Ajaero argued it's shameful for someone negotiating Nigerian workers' welfare with the Federal Government to not live in the country and feel their pain—fuel above ₦1,000 per litre, house rent, school fees, and feeding families under Tinubu's economy—while enjoying steady electricity and good roads in America. "How can you lead workers you don't live with?" Ajaero asked.
The NLC, with over 60 affiliate unions and millions of members, says it cannot keep waiting for a leader only present on a visiting visa to agree before negotiating better wages and the ₦70,000 transport allowance for suffering workers.
This fracture in labour unity comes at a critical moment: the NLC wants to move forward on wage negotiations and the transport allowance without TUC's consent. Osifo has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.
Should the NLC negotiate solo to deliver relief to workers now, or does effective labour power require a united front even if it means delaying action?