NEW YEAR MESSAGE: NLC Boss, Adeyanju Commends Nigerian Workers For Resilience Amid Hardship

The immediate past President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Prince (Dr) Adewale Adeyanju, has lauded Nigerians on the New Year for their tenacity, long-suffering, and ability to withstand pressure amid unusual hardship, hunger, and insecurity over the past years.

Adeyanju who doubles as the the Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC noted that ” Many Nigerians have been displaced, rendered homeless and jobless, facing kidnappings nationwide, herder-farmer clashes, unwarranted killings, and fear of the unknown—marked by rapes of women, pregnant mothers, and teenagers.

“The high cost of living has stirred strife, bitterness, sorrow, and anguish on the faces of Nigerians daily. Indeed, Nigerians endured a horrible phase of life in recent years; therefore, in 2026, the government must bring smiles to the faces of those who survived these years of horror and uncertainty.

Also as Vice President Global of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), Adeyanju noted that Nigerians have endured immense pain, including Christians and Muslims butchered, hacked, or shot dead in cold blood at worship centers, particularly in northern Nigeria where terrorists have swelled in numbers.Nigerians and the common man on the streets were hit hard by all forms of insurgency throughout 2025, where hopelessness clouded the nation. Yet, despite the insecurity, Nigerians stood firm, believing their country would one day work again, rebound, and reclaim its pride of place among nations.

“Nigerians carried on with their spirit of encouragement, endurance, and hope that a new Nigeria will emerge—one where all citizens live in peace and harmony. Religious tolerance must define coexistence, regardless of religious beliefs, political inclinations, tribe, or tongue. What matters is that we are citizens of Nigeria, our dear country, and we must not tear it apart.

He stressed that “We must remain united amid present challenges, rise to the occasion, fight collectively, and by God’s grace, prevail as Nigerians.

While also thanking Nigerian workers for their resilience amid harsh economic realities that have spiked the cost of living far beyond their meager monthly wages, he urged the federal government, that ” As we enter 2026, to review workers’ wages, ensuring their sacrifices for national development are rewarded.

In a similar vein, the Oyo Prince called on Terminal Operators to review the remuneration and working conditions of dockworkers and seafarers employed by the MWUN, given the harsh economic trends.

He reminded them of the positive role MWUN leadership played in the port concessioning process, which made today’s reality possible.

Comrade Adeyanju also emphasized reinstating onboard security gangway men at the nation’s seaports to curb huge yearly revenue losses from poor accountability over daily vessel arrivals.

He warned that this laxity allows unidentified individuals to siphon funds, urging the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to act swiftly to boost national coffers.

He admonished the federal government to accelerate efforts against recurrent insurgency, noting that steps by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, are on the right track toward lasting peace. Adeyanju appealed for people-friendly policies to ease the plights of Nigerians who have suffered pain, anguish, and disillusionment, aiming to unite the nation.

He believed 2026 will deliver the promised renewed hope agenda, ushering in economic vibrancy, prosperity, industrial development, joy, progress, and a good life for Nigerians. Comrade Adeyanju also extended belated “Merry Christmas” and Prosperous New Year wishes to all.