President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has stated that the promised "age of prosperity" by President Bola Tinubu has not translated into improved living conditions for Nigerian workers. Ajaero made this statement on the 'Mic On' Podcast, accusing the federal government of failing to adequately engage organised labour on policies affecting the working population. He noted that the sharp increases in petrol, food, transportation, and accommodation costs have eroded workers' purchasing power.
Tinubu had declared on October 1, 2023, that Nigeria had moved beyond emergency economic reforms into an "age of prosperity." He claimed that the foundation of the economy had been repaired and that the country had "passed through its own Red Sea" into a "Promised Land" of abundance and shared prosperity. However, Ajaero argued that ordinary Nigerians are still paying higher prices created by previous rounds of inflation, despite the government's claims of falling inflation rates.
Ajaero challenged the administration to demonstrate where the gains of its economic reforms were being felt by workers, particularly regarding the removal of petrol subsidy and the subsequent increase in petrol pump prices. He recalled that organised labour accepted the N70,000 minimum wage partly because of assurances that the government would cushion the consequences of subsidy removal through measures like cheaper CNG transportation and cash transfers.
According to Ajaero, many of the government's promises have either not materialised or have failed to provide meaningful relief to workers. During negotiations over the minimum wage, Tinubu had indicated that he could pay as much as N250,000 but was constrained by implications for states and the private sector. Ajaero said labour had deliberately avoided demanding an excessively high wage, understanding that simply increasing nominal wages without addressing inflation and exchange rates would not improve workers' welfare.
Ajaero suggested that future wage negotiations should be based on the cost of living index or inflation rate. He argued that Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi were wrong on subsidy removal and that the Social Democratic Party's (SDP) and Accord's ideas were better. Ajaero also demanded details of the N11.2 trillion NNPC security claims.
Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, have promised to bring back fuel subsidy if they are elected. Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has also called on the federal government to reduce the price of petrol without further delay. These statements highlight the ongoing debate about the government's economic policies and their impact on Nigerian workers.
Ajaero remains hopeful that the government's promise of prosperity can eventually be realised, but he emphasised that this requires the government to demonstrate tangible improvements in workers' living conditions. The NLC President's comments reflect the concerns of many Nigerian workers who are yet to feel the positive effects of the government's economic reforms.
Key points
- The Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, says the government's economic reforms have not improved living conditions for workers.
- Ajaero challenged the administration to demonstrate where the gains of its economic reforms were being felt by workers.
- Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi have promised to bring back fuel subsidy if elected.
