Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero has expressed concerns that President Bola Tinubu's much-publicized "age of prosperity" ideology has not yet translated into improved living conditions for Nigerian workers. Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, Ajaero argued that rising costs of petrol, food, transportation, and accommodation have significantly eroded the value of the N70,000 minimum wage. He emphasized that prosperity is not yet a reality for Nigerian workers.
Ajaero noted that organized labour accepted the N70,000 minimum wage partly because of government assurances that the impact of fuel subsidy removal would be cushioned through measures such as compressed natural gas (CNG) transportation, vehicle conversion kits, cash transfers, and other interventions. However, he said many of those promises have either not been fully implemented or have failed to provide meaningful relief to workers.
The NLC president stressed that workers' welfare depends not only on salary increases but also on the cost of living and the value of the naira. He questioned the effectiveness of a high minimum wage if workers cannot afford basic necessities like housing. Ajaero also suggested that petrol could sell for about N500 per litre if locally produced crude oil was supplied to domestic refineries at favourable rates.
Ajaero criticized the slow rollout of CNG infrastructure, noting that the limited number of CNG buses and refuelling stations across the country has done little to ease transportation costs. He accused the Federal Government of inadequate engagement with organized labour and warned that unresolved concerns over wages and workers' welfare could trigger industrial action.
The labour leader faulted the positions of President Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party's Peter Obi on fuel subsidy removal, saying all three share similar market-driven economic views. Ajaero described their positions as being from the far right and market-oriented.
Ajaero expressed hope that the government's promise of an "age of prosperity" could eventually become a reality. He noted that although inflation may be slowing, Nigerians are still burdened by the high prices created by previous inflationary increases. The NLC president emphasized the need for the government to address the rising cost of living.
The conversation between Ajaero and podcast host Seun Okinbaloye highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian workers. The NLC president's comments reflect the growing concerns about the government's economic policies and their impact on the welfare of workers. The issue remains a pressing concern for Nigerian workers and the labour union.
Key points
- President Tinubu's "age of prosperity" ideology has not improved living conditions for Nigerian workers.
- The N70,000 minimum wage has been eroded by rising costs of petrol, food, transportation, and accommodation.
- Ajaero criticizes the slow rollout of CNG infrastructure and inadequate engagement with organized labour.
