The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that raising salaries without fixing the economy will not improve workers’ lives.
Its President, Joe Ajaero, said workers need a stable economy and a stronger naira not just bigger pay on paper.
Ajaero explained that even a 1 million Naira monthly salary would mean little if inflation keeps rising and the naira keeps losing value. He stressed that the real issue is purchasing power how far income can go before the month ends.
Right now, many workers struggle to afford food, transport, rent, and school fees as prices continue to climb across the country.
Ajaero said minimum wage talks must follow due process, not political timelines. He noted that the law sets a fixed review period, and labour unions will begin negotiations at the right time before the current agreement expires.
He urged the government to act fast to ease inflation pressure on families. According to him, fuel subsidy removal and rising petrol prices have pushed up transport fares and food costs. He called for stronger economic policies, especially in the energy sector, to shield Nigerians from global shocks.
Ajaero also raised concerns about the growing number of pension-related unions, saying the situation creates confusion for retirees and workers. He added that the NLC has started talks with stakeholders to fix the issue and ensure proper pension management.
Speaking ahead of Workers’ Day, Ajaero clarified that the NLC has no plan for a nationwide protest. He said protests will only happen in states that have failed to implement the approved minimum wage.
He noted that many states have complied, but some still lag behind especially in local governments and schools.
Ajaero promised that the NLC will keep defending workers’ rights and push for policies that improve living conditions. He also welcomed the Federal Government’s move to review special allowances and approve full duty tour allowances for civil servants, expressing hope for proper implementation.
