ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has stated that a monthly salary of N1 million holds little value for workers in the absence of a stable naira and improved economic conditions.
NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
He explained that organised labour is more focused on the strength of the naira than on nominal wage increases, noting that rising inflation continues to weaken workers purchasing power.
According to him, the persistent rise in the cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for workers to afford basic needs such as food, transportation, and housing.
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“Even if Nigerian workers earn N1 million, it will not be meaningful if the naira has no value.
“What we are looking for is a currency that can sustain workers and their families at least to the end of the month.”
Ajaero added that discussions around a new national minimum wage must follow established procedures, stressing that the process is guided by law and tied to a specific review cycle.
“The minimum wage has not been negotiated yet. It is a process that must follow the law.
“When it is time, we will commence negotiation ahead of its expiration. It cannot be rushed because of election timelines,” he said.
He noted that the congress would begin the process within the stipulated timeframe before the current wage structure expires.
The NLC president also urged the government to take urgent steps to ease the impact of inflation, pointing out that economic conditions have not improved for workers.
He said rising fuel prices have intensified hardship, affecting transportation, food costs, and the general cost of living.
“We raised concerns when global developments began to impact fuel prices locally, and we called for intervention.
“The situation has not improved and the burden on workers continues to increase,” he said.
Ajaero emphasised the need for Nigeria to build a resilient energy policy that would reduce exposure to external shocks.
“It is not ideal that events in other parts of the world automatically translate into hardship in Nigeria.
“We must build a system that protects our economy and citizens,” he said.
On pension matters, Ajaero raised concerns about the growing number of pension unions, which he said has created confusion within the system.
He disclosed that the NLC has reached out to relevant stakeholders and is working to organise a meeting to address the issues and ensure better coordination.
“There are several pension groups now, and this is creating ambiguity. We are engaging them to understand what is at stake and find a common ground,” he said.
He added that the congress would also seek clarity on deductions and remittances of check-off dues among pensioners.
Regarding the upcoming Workers’ Day, Ajaero said any planned protest would not be nationwide but restricted to states that have yet to fully implement the approved minimum wage.
“Street protests, if any, will be in states that have not complied with the minimum wage implementation.
“It is not a general protest across the country,” he said.
He noted that while most states have complied, some are yet to fully implement the policy, especially at the local government and education sector levels.
According to him, there are also concerns about consequential adjustments, as some states pay only the minimum wage without properly adjusting other salary structures.
“These are technical issues that must be addressed. We will evaluate the level of compliance before May Day,” he said.
Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to advocating policies that enhance workers welfare and promote economic stability.
He also commended the Federal Government for reviewing peculiar allowances and approving a 100 per cent duty tour allowance for civil servants, expressing hope that the measures would be effectively implemented.
(NAN)