The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that even a ₦1 million monthly salary would be meaningless to Nigerian workers if the naira remains weak and the economy unstable.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this known in Abuja, stressing that rising inflation has wiped out the real value of wages. According to him, the focus should not just be on increasing salaries, but on strengthening the naira and improving living conditions.
“Even if Nigerian workers earn ₦1 million, it will not be meaningful if the naira has no value,” he said, adding that workers need a system that can sustain them through the month.
Ajaero lamented the soaring cost of living, noting that essentials like food, transport, and housing have become increasingly unaffordable. He blamed fuel price hikes for worsening the situation, with ripple effects across the economy.
On the minimum wage debate, he clarified that no negotiation is currently underway, emphasizing that the process is guided by law and cannot be rushed for political reasons.
He assured that talks would begin at the appropriate time before the current wage structure expires. The labour leader also urged the government to urgently address inflation and develop a resilient energy policy to shield Nigerians from global shocks.
He raised concerns about confusion in the pension system due to the emergence of multiple unions, saying the NLC is engaging stakeholders to restore order and ensure proper remittances. Ahead of Workers’ Day, Ajaero hinted that protests, if any, would be limited to states yet to fully implement the approved minimum wage.
While most states have complied, he noted gaps in implementation, especially in local governments and the education sector. Reaffirming the NLC’s stance, Ajaero said the congress remains committed to pushing for policies that guarantee workers’ welfare and economic stability.
