Struggle for Survival: NLC President Deplores Nigerians Resorting to Scavenging

In the midst of mounting economic challenges in Nigeria, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, expressed distress over the dire situation, highlighting that Nigerians are now compelled to scavenge for survival.

Ajaero made these remarks during the 11th quadrennial delegates conference of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria held on Friday in Abuja.

Numerous incidents of assaults and looting of warehouses and food trucks have been recorded across various cities, underscoring the severity of the economic hardship and the crisis of soaring living costs in the nation.

Recent events include the theft of food items by youths from trucks stranded in traffic along Kaduna Road in the Suleja area of Niger State, where assailants reportedly overwhelmed truck drivers and made off with bags of rice before being dispersed by soldiers.

Additionally, the Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration confirmed the looting of its warehouse in the Dei-Dei area of the FCT on Sunday.

Ajaero emphasized the urgent need for the government to fulfill its commitments and obligations to the citizens instead of turning a blind eye to their pleas.

He remarked, “The scarcity of food has driven Nigerians to resort to scavenging and raiding food trucks and warehouses for sustenance. If those in authority fail to recognize the gravity of the situation, we must ensure that they fulfill their responsibilities to the populace.”

Ajaero attributed the recent wave of looting to government policies, warning that the situation could escalate if not promptly addressed.

He asserted, “The looting of food trucks and warehouses is a direct consequence of government policies that have impoverished the people and deprived them of their dignity. Unless corrective measures are taken, this unfortunate trend may intensify.”

Furthermore, Ajaero called on the government to remove obstacles hindering healthcare workers from seeking better opportunities abroad, citing the urgent need to address the socioeconomic challenges faced by workers and the general populace.

Dr. Kabiru Minjibir, Acting National President of MHWUN, lamented the prevalence of the “japa syndrome” among health workers, stressing the need for an enabling work environment and improved remuneration to retain skilled professionals in the sector.