The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded an immediate reduction in petrol prices and payment of wage awards to workers nationwide. In an Independence Day message, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that Nigeria is facing a "full-scale survival crisis" due to inflation and rising transportation costs. The current minimum wage of N70,000 has been eroded by inflation, and the union is calling for a new national minimum wage.
The NLC criticized the May 2023 petrol price increase, describing it as a "systematic assault on the working class". The union questioned how the savings from subsidy removal had been used, stating that petrol prices have multiplied several times over, yet promised infrastructure and social services remain mirages. The NLC demanded answers on the usage of subsidy savings, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve transparency.
The labour union called for the commencement of negotiations on a new national minimum wage, which should be implemented by the end of 2026. The NLC also demanded the immediate implementation of tax relief measures agreed upon between the Federal Government and labour in October 2023. Furthermore, the union urged the government to reduce the cost of governance and ensure transparency in the use of public resources.
The NLC emphasized the need for the government to invest in social infrastructure, such as roads, healthcare, and education. The union also called for the creation of opportunities for young Nigerians, warning that unemployment, poverty, and inequality are contributing to insecurity and desperate migration. According to the NLC, nearly 2,000 Nigerians died from violence in the first quarter of 2026.
The labour union expressed concerns about the 2027 general elections, urging political actors to respect the choice of voters. The NLC warned against election manipulation, voter intimidation, and the exploitation of ethnic and religious divisions. The union stated that it would use the Workers' Charter to state the policies and candidates that would receive the support of the working class.
However, the NLC stressed that it would not accept being treated as electoral tools, emphasizing that workers have the right to independent political thoughts, judgement, and choice. The union's demands reflect the struggles of Nigerian workers and citizens, who are facing significant economic challenges. The NLC's message highlights the need for urgent action to address these issues.
The NLC's demands are a call to action for the government to address the pressing issues facing Nigerian workers and citizens. The union's emphasis on transparency, accountability, and investment in social infrastructure underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the country's economic challenges.
Key points
- The NLC demands an immediate reduction in petrol prices and payment of wage awards to workers nationwide.
- The labour union calls for the commencement of negotiations on a new national minimum wage by the end of 2026.
- The NLC emphasizes the need for the government to invest in social infrastructure and create opportunities for young Nigerians.
