# Nigeria Labour Congress political and government tensions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-labour-congress-political-and-government-tensions > Updated: 2026-10-04T15:23:21.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has shifted from advocating for labour leaders to enter political office to accusing the federal government of failing to engage with organized labour. Initially, Ajaero encouraged union leaders to pursue political roles to better influence policy, citing Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris as a model for how former labour leaders can transition into governance. However, tensions have since escalated as Ajaero accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of being “aloof” and ignoring communications from the NLC. This lack of dialogue, which Ajaero claims persisted from May to December 2025, led the NLC to schedule nationwide protests. These disputes occur alongside industrial actions by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, which is demanding lower petrol prices and new wage awards. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-04: Nigeria Labour Congress President accuses Tinubu administration of ignoring labour concerns NLC President Joe Ajaero has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to engage with organized labour, citing unresolved grievances and a lack of response to official communications. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-labour-congress-president-accuses-tinubu-administration-of-ignoring-labour-concerns ### 2026-09-12: NLC President urges labour leaders to seek political power NLC President Joe Ajaero has urged labour leaders to seek political office to better influence government policy and workers' welfare, citing Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris as a successful example. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nlc-president-urges-labour-leaders-to-seek-political-power --- Cite as: Nigeria Labour Congress political and government tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-labour-congress-political-and-government-tensions