The Socialist Labour organization has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to use its upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to initiate resolute action for a higher minimum wage, lower petrol prices, and immediate relief for Nigerian workers. In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Abiodun Olamosu, the organization emphasized the need for the NLC to take advantage of the period leading to the 2027 general elections to press for improved conditions for workers.
The Socialist Labour organization argued that politicians would be more receptive to workers' demands as the elections approach because they would be seeking their votes. The organization stated that the current N70,000 minimum wage is no longer sufficient to meet workers' basic needs, citing the sharp decline in its purchasing power since its introduction. According to the organization, the N70,000 wage can now purchase fewer than 50 litres of petrol, compared to 340 litres in 2001 and over 200 litres in April 2019.
The organization also noted that Nigeria's minimum wage has fallen below that of most African countries and all its neighbouring countries. Socialist Labour cited the recent public sector strike called by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), which produced tangible results in several states, including Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, and Ogun. The organization argued that a better-planned and longer strike led by the NLC could deliver further concessions.
Socialist Labour criticized the Federal Government for failing to respond to the NLC's demand for negotiations on an increase in the minimum wage, which was made earlier in the year and repeated during the May Day rallies. The organization called on the NLC to demand an immediate wage award for workers as well as a substantial increase in the minimum wage from early next year. According to the organization, an increase in petrol prices has significantly contributed to the decline in workers' living standards.
The Socialist Labour organization linked worsening poverty to increasing crime and insecurity, arguing that improved wages would help ease some of the economic pressures confronting workers. The organization advocated a shift towards annual salary increases and the indexation of wages to inflation, particularly food prices. This system would ensure that workers' incomes do not continue to lose purchasing power as the cost of living rises.
Socialist Labour listed its immediate demands as a minimum wage of at least N500,000, petrol at no more than N500 per litre, and an immediate cost-of-living allowance. The organization urged the NLC to mobilize workers for "resolute general strike action" to press the demands. The NLC's NEC meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, should be used to chart a strategy for securing a living wage for Nigerian workers.
The Socialist Labour organization emphasized that now is the time for the NLC to lead the resolute action needed to win a living minimum wage. The organization's call to action comes as the 2027 general elections approach, providing an opportunity for workers to press for improved conditions.
Key points
- The Socialist Labour organization is calling for a minimum wage of at least N500,000.
- The organization also demands petrol at no more than N500 per litre and an immediate cost-of-living allowance.
- The NLC's NEC meeting should be used to chart a strategy for securing a living wage for Nigerian workers.
