NLC urges the Federal Government to align salaries and wages with the cost of living.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reiterated its demand for a living wage for workers across the country. The congress urged the Federal Government to ensure that salaries and wages reflect the cost of living.
President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, made this statement during the 11th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria held on Friday, March 8, in Abuja.
During the public hearing for the North Central region, the NLC proposed a new national minimum wage of N709,000, while the Trade Union Congress (TUC) suggested N447,000. The current minimum wage of N30,000, enacted into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, is set to expire in April of this year.
Ajaero lamented that workers have been reduced to beggars because of the economic hardship in the country.
Ajaero expressed concern that economic hardship in the country has left workers in a state of destitution.
He stated, “Food scarcity has reached a point where Nigerians are resorting to scavenging and raiding food trucks and warehouses for sustenance. It is imperative that the government acknowledges this perilous situation and fulfills its responsibilities to the people.”
Ajaero emphasized the severity of hunger in the nation, stating, “The greatest unifier and motivator of a population is hunger. It is nonsensical for government officials to believe that hunger-induced protests are orchestrated by external forces. The true instigators are those in power whose policies have plunged the populace into poverty and stripped them of their dignity.”
He warned against the escalation of food-related looting, urging immediate action to address the root causes. Ajaero asserted, “We refuse to be intimidated or deterred from advocating for the welfare of the people. Governance must prioritize the well-being of Nigerians above all else.”
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the survival of the people, stating, “Any political agenda that neglects the welfare of Nigerians is unacceptable. Our focus must be on ensuring the survival of the Nigerian populace before discussing future political aspirations.”
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Ajaero concluded, “We must ensure that the instruments of governance are utilized for the betterment of the people and not to further oppress them. The survival of Nigeria depends on the well-being of its citizens.”
Ajaero stressed the importance of collective effort in establishing influence.
Ajaero stressed the importance of collective effort in establishing influence to effectively engage with those in positions of power in our country. He emphasized the responsibility NLC members have towards Nigerians, urging them not to falter in their duty. Ajaero, speaking on behalf of the NLC, which includes the Acting President and Deputy President of Congress, Ado Sani Minjibir, expressed gratitude for the support in strengthening the organization to confront the challenges of the nation’s current socioeconomic conditions.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, affirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring accessible healthcare for Nigerians.
