Ajaero to Youths: “If You Japa, Nigeria’s Future Will Be Imperilled”

By Ukpono Ukpong

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has issued a passionate plea to Nigerian youths, urging them to resist the urge to “japa” (relocate abroad) and instead commit to building a better future for the nation.

He made this appeal during the 3rd Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the National Youth Council of the NLC, held in Abuja.

In his address, Ajaero expressed concern over the rising trend of young Nigerians leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. He warned that this exodus poses a grave threat to the nation’s future, particularly the labour movement.

“They want to force you to ‘japa.’ Do not ‘japa.’ If you ‘japa,’ the future of the movement will ‘japa,’ and the whole nation will be imperilled,” he stated.

The NLC president acknowledged the difficult economic realities that compel many to leave, citing soaring costs of living, job insecurity, and inadequate social services.

“A bag of 50kg rice sells for N105,000, transport from Abuja to Port Harcourt costs over N50,000, and decent housing remains a mirage,” he lamented.

However, Ajaero stressed that running away is not the solution.He called on youths to embrace their role as the backbone of the labour movement and the nation.

“You are not just the future of Nigeria; you are the future of the trade union movement. That future must be built, shaped, and fortified by your resilience, courage, and vision,” he declared.

To strengthen youth participation, Ajaero announced that the NLC would establish youth executive councils in all state councils.

These councils, he explained, would serve as platforms for addressing youth-specific issues and fostering innovative approaches within the labour movement.Reflecting on the theme of the conference, “Youth and the New World of Work: Imperative of a New Social Contract,” Ajaero emphasized the changing dynamics of the global workforce.

He called on young workers to redefine justice and fairness in this evolving landscape, ensuring that workers’ rights are not sacrificed on the altar of profit.

“The world of work is changing rapidly—automation, gig work, and global economic shifts are rewriting the rules. Workers must renegotiate the social contract to center on justice, fairness, and equity,” Ajaero explained.

He urged youths to lead the charge in creating a future where workers are not left behind.

The NLC president also warned of the resistance young people would face as they push for change. He encouraged them to remain steadfast, creative, and determined, even in the face of exclusion and opposition.

“If you are not at the table, you are on the menu. When you are not allowed to sit at the table, find a way to be heard,” he advised.

Ajaero commended the outgoing leadership of the Congress National Youth Council for their achievements and urged the incoming leaders to hit the ground running.

“While ascension to public office is important, what we do with it is even more critical. Let your leadership contribute meaningfully to the progress of Congress and our nation,” he said.

He also acknowledged the role of partners such as the Labour Act X (LAX), Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), and the African Solidarity Centre (ASC) in supporting the Council’s efforts to build a vibrant youth wing.

“NLC remains eternally grateful and hopes for increased support in the days ahead,” he added.

The speech also included a charge to youths to reimagine Nigeria, the labour movement, and their role in shaping both.

Ajaero highlighted the need for foresight, perseverance, and collective action to challenge workplace abuses and renegotiate a fair social contract.”Massive suffering in our nation must be queried.

Who is better placed to do this than the youth working within the trade union movement? Your voices are critical for success,” he stated.

He stressed that a new social contract would require dismantling old systems that favor exploitation.

In closing, Ajaero urged young people to embrace their responsibility to the labour movement and the nation. “The NLC is counting on you.

The nation is counting on you. You are not alone. The NLC stands firmly behind you, ready to support, guide, and fight alongside you,” he assured.

The conference ended with a resounding call for unity among the youth to build a labour movement that can not be ignored and a Nigeria that can not be undermined.

“Together, we will shape a future of dignity, justice, and solidarity for all workers,” Ajaero concluded.