The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has stressed that improving workers’ earnings alone is not enough, warning that even a monthly salary of N1 million would hold little value without a stable currency and better economic conditions.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this known during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday, April 29.
He emphasised that labour unions are more concerned about the strength of the naira than nominal wage increases, noting that inflation continues to erode workers’ real income.
According to him, the rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for workers to meet basic needs such as food, transportation, and housing.
He said, “Even if Nigerian workers earn N1m, 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 explained that discussions around a new national minimum wage must follow due legal processes, stressing that wage negotiations are governed by established timelines and cannot be hurried for political reasons.
“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 added that the Congress would begin the process within the legally defined period before the current wage structure expires.
The NLC leader also called on the government to urgently address inflationary pressures, noting that economic conditions have continued to worsen for workers.
He pointed out that rising fuel prices have further increased hardship by driving up transportation costs, food prices, and overall living expenses.
“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 further highlighted the need for a more resilient energy policy to shield the country from external shocks.
READ ALSO: NLC Demands Tax Relief, Cost-Of-Living Allowance Amid Fuel Price Surge
“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, he expressed concern over the growing number of pension unions, which he said has led to confusion within the system.
He disclosed that the NLC has reached out to stakeholders and plans to convene discussions to address the issue 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 clarification on the deduction and remittance of check-off dues among pensioners.
Speaking ahead of Workers’ Day, Ajaero clarified that any protest activities would not be nationwide but limited 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.
While noting that most states have complied, he pointed out that gaps remain, especially at the local government level and within the education sector.
He also raised concerns about incomplete salary adjustments, where some states pay only the minimum wage without corresponding changes to 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 pushing for policies that improve 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 for effective implementation.
(NAN)