President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has urged Nigerian youths to remain committed to the nation’s development and resist the growing trend of migration, 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 emphasized the need for young people to tackle Nigeria’s challenges head-on rather than seeking refuge abroad.
Ajaero decried the rising cost of living, citing that a 50kg bag of rice now costs N105,000, transport fares to Port Harcourt exceed N50,000, and access to housing and healthcare has become increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians.
“This is not a time for lamentation; it is a time for determination,” he said. “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.”
He warned that neglecting the responsibility to confront systemic inequalities and exploitation could allow individuals who disregard workers’ welfare to dominate the trade union movement and the nation’s future.
“You are not just the future of Nigeria; you are the future of the trade union movement,” Ajaero said. “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.”
To amplify youth participation in the labour movement, Ajaero announced the establishment of youth executive councils across all states.
These councils aim to strengthen youth voices in shaping policies and fostering innovation within the NLC.
“The youth are being empowered because the strength and future of the Nigeria Labour Congress lie with you,” Ajaero stated.
“This is your charge—to take the torch and light the path toward a stronger, united trade union movement.”
Ajaero’s call serves as both a challenge and a rallying cry for Nigerian youths to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress despite prevailing hardships.
