The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to begin renegotiating a new national minimum wage. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, issued the ultimatum, citing the current wage's worthlessness due to inflation and the naira's depreciation. The NLC demands a living wage reflecting the true cost of living and the dignity of Nigerian workers. Ajaero urged the government to take immediate action, warning that any further delay is unacceptable.
The NLC's ultimatum comes as a result of the government's neo-liberal policies, which have led to soaring inflation, a traumatized naira, and worthless wages. The cost of living has become unbearable, with workers unable to afford basic necessities like food, shelter, healthcare, transportation, and education. Ajaero chided the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stating that the government's policies have resulted in the suffering of the people.
The NLC also demands that the government reduce the price of petrol across the nation to what it was at the signing of the current national minimum wage in 2024. Ajaero argued that the exorbitant pump price of petrol has had a cascading effect on the cost of transportation, food, and other essential goods, further deepening the hardship of workers and the masses.
The NLC's demands include granting tax relief to workers and providing wage awards to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living. Ajaero stated that these measures are the bare minimum required to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and restore a measure of dignity to their lives. The government is expected to take measures to address the workers' concerns within the 14-day ultimatum.
The NLC's ultimatum was issued after a joint meeting of the National Executive Council and Central Working Committee at the Labour House in Abuja. The meeting deliberated on the state of the nation, the existential threats facing Nigerian workers, and the urgent tasks confronting the trade union movement. The NLC reaffirmed its historical responsibility to resist all forms of exploitation and oppression.
Ajaero urged the working class to be on red alert and get further directives on the next line of action. Although he did not specifically call for a strike action or mass rally, the labour leader emphasized that the Nigerian working people must remain resolute, organised, and uncompromising in the collective struggle for a fair and equitable Nigeria.
The NLC's demands are aimed at alleviating the suffering of Nigerian workers and restoring a measure of dignity to their lives. The government is expected to take immediate action to address the workers' concerns, including renegotiating the national minimum wage and reducing the price of petrol. Failure to do so may lead to remedial steps, as directed by the relevant organs.
Key points
- The NLC has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the FG to renegotiate the national minimum wage and reduce the price of petrol.
- The current national minimum wage has been rendered worthless by inflation and the naira's depreciation.
- The NLC demands a living wage reflecting the true cost of living and the dignity of Nigerian workers.
