N70,000 Transport Allowance: ‘Shame on Both of You’ – Rufai Oseni Blasts Ajaero, Osifo

Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has strongly criticised the presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, over their public disagreement on workers’ welfare and the leadership of the labour movement.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Oseni described both union leaders as unworthy of the title of labour leaders, accusing them of abandoning their duty to defend Nigerian workers amid worsening economic hardship.

He said the labour movement has become politicised and divided, leaving workers without proper representation at a time when their purchasing power and disposable income continue to decline.

“For Osifo and Ajaero, both of you should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself, and that’s why you see that Labour has been dead in this administration,” Oseni stated.He recalled that past labour leaders, including former NLC president Peter Esele, maintained greater unity and coordination when confronting governments over policies affecting workers. 

Oseni argued that the current leadership has failed to hold the Federal Government accountable for unfulfilled promises to workers.“Wages cannot really take you anywhere. A lot has happened as regards disposable income of the people, but labour has just been quiet. This government failed on many promises made to labour, and labour has just been quiet about it,” he added.

The latest clash between Ajaero and Osifo stems from disagreements over the Federal Government’s N70,000 transport allowance approved for public sector workers for six months. 

The TUC rejected the arrangement, insisting that the NLC could not negotiate on behalf of its members without TUC’s involvement. Osifo called the agreement an aberration, arguing that both labour centres must participate in such negotiations.

Ajaero, however, maintained that the NLC has the authority to negotiate independently based on its numerical strength and the principle of majority representation recognised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). 

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