The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly warned against any attempt to move labour provisions from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List.
They say such a shift would strip workers of vital protections and expose them to economic risks.
While constitutional reviews took place across all six geo-political zones, the NLC insists labour matters must remain exclusively federal.
They argue this shields workers from fragmented state laws that could weaken welfare and workers’ rights.
In a joint communique, NLC President Joe Ajaero and Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja urged every Nigerian worker to “mobilise across the country to picket” any National Assembly member who supports taking labour issues off the Exclusive List.
To Protect Workers, Labour Must Stay Federal
Ajaero stressed that the review shouldn’t just be a ritual. He wants it to tackle structural imbalances that fuel underdevelopment and inequality.
He also called for stronger fiscal federalism, citing how sub-national governments could ignite local economic growth if given more resources.
He further urged reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system. The goal: ensure election results truly reflect the people’s will, not manipulation. He wants to curb “rigging, vote‑buying and other malpractices” that erode democracy.
A New Constitution from the People, Say GAFAMORG
The Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation (GAFAMORG) also weighed in, urging President Tinubu to call a Sovereign National Conference (SNC). They envision a grassroots-led constitution‑making body.
Their open letter proposes each of Nigeria’s 774 local councils elect delegates, alongside representatives from professional, youth, religious, labour, and civil society groups—not politicians or godfathers.
The document, dubbed the “People’s Charter,” would be drafted through deep national dialogue and sent to a referendum. Only upon popular approval would it replace the 1999 Constitution. They called it “an uncommon step” towards true democracy.
Constitutional Change or Political Banter?
Former AGF and Justice Minister Michael Aondoakaa (SAN) cautioned that frequent calls for creating new states or amending the constitution often stem from political interests, not genuine need. Speaking on ARISE News, he noted many existing states struggle financially and still rely heavily on federal allocations.
“It is only in Nigeria that state creation has become a ritual… Constitutional amendment is supposed to be done on very serious matters that have been tested,” he said, warning that the 1999 Constitution, though imperfect, still holds strong.
Aondoakaa’s comments arrive amid renewed calls for restructuring, rotational presidency, and fresh constitutional changes.
He called for restraint, saying reforms should be reserved for matters that have been fully examined and proven to require alteration.
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