The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero has called on Nigerian youths to remain dedicated to the country’s development and resist the growing trend of migrating to other countries, popularly referred to as “japa.”
Speaking at the 3rd Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the National Youth Council of the NLC in Abuja on Tuesday, Ajaero highlighted the urgent need for youth to confront the nation’s challenges rather than seeking solutions abroad.
Ajaero decried the rising cost of living, pointing out that a 50kg bag of rice now costs N105,000, transport fares to Port Harcourt exceed N50,000, and access to essential services like housing and healthcare has become increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.
“This is not a time for lamentation; it is a time for determination. No one else will build our nation for us. Running away is not the solution. The battles for our future must be fought and won here on our soil,” Ajaero said.
He encouraged the youth to focus their energy on resisting systemic inequalities and exploitation, warning that abandoning this responsibility could lead to the trade union movement and the nation falling into the hands of individuals with no regard for workers’ welfare.
“You are not just the future of Nigeria; you are the future of the trade union movement. If you fail to act, others with no allegiance to workers’ interests will hijack that future for their gain. Do not let them force you to ‘japa.’ If you ‘japa,’ the future of this movement and the nation itself will be at risk,” he said.
As part of efforts to empower young people, Ajaero announced plans to establish youth executive councils in all states, aimed at amplifying youth voices in shaping policies and driving innovation within the NLC.
He stated, “The youth are being empowered because the strength and future of the Nigeria Labour Congress lie with you. This is your charge—to take the torch and light the path toward a stronger, united trade union movement.”
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