President Bola Tinubu has cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to prioritize peace for the nation's benefit. Speaking at the inauguration of the Lagos Red Line rail on Thursday, Tinubu emphasized the need for peaceful engagement, highlighting that despite the union's rights and freedoms, it should not confront a government that is just nine months old.
The NLC and related unions recently protested over various national issues, including the high cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and general hardship. The protest, initially planned for two days, was halted after the first day due to what the union termed as a successful outcome.
During the protest, NLC President Joe Ajaero presented a letter of demands to President Bola Tinubu through the National Assembly leadership. In response, Tinubu advised the union to exercise patience, suggesting they engage politically in 2027 if they seek to influence change. He urged them to maintain peace, reminding them that they are not the sole voice of Nigeria.
Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria's economic future, assuring that the nation would overcome its current challenges through perseverance and hard work. He reflected on the long journey towards the realization of the Lagos Red Line, a vision he conceived 25 years ago during his tenure as governor. He called for increased collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and other states to develop railway infrastructure nationwide.
