The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has issued a stark warning, stating that organized labour may demand up to ₦1 million as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers if inflation continues unchecked under the Tinubu administration.
Ajaero highlighted the significant impact of rising inflation and the devaluation of the naira since President Bola Tinubu took office, attributing it to policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy.
The NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) recently issued a 14-day strike notice to the Nigerian government, citing the government’s failure to implement agreements aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by petrol price hikes and currency devaluation.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News, Ajaero emphasized that the demand for a higher minimum wage is driven by the escalating cost of living, with basic necessities becoming increasingly unaffordable for the average Nigerian.
Ajaero expressed concerns over the federal government’s delay in initiating minimum wage negotiations and the composition of the committee tasked with the responsibility, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the process.
He urged the government to consider the realities faced by workers and ensure meaningful negotiations to address the pressing issues affecting the workforce.
