The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned that a monthly salary of ₦1 million would offer minimal real relief to workers if the naira remains weak and inflation continues to erode purchasing power.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja. He emphasised that organised labour is more concerned with the real value of wages than with headline salary figures.
According to Ajaero, persistent inflation and the rising cost of living have significantly undermined workers’ ability to meet essential needs, including food, transport, and housing.
“Even if Nigerian workers earn ₦1 million, it will not be meaningful if the naira has no value,” he said. “What we are looking for is a currency that can sustain workers and their families at least to the end of the month.”
Addressing the prospect of a new national minimum wage, Ajaero stressed that any review must follow established legal processes and timelines, noting that wage negotiations are neither politically driven nor arbitrary.
“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,” he said.
He added that the labour movement would begin discussions within the stipulated period and warned against attempts to expedite the process unduly.
Ajaero also urged the government to address mounting inflationary pressures, warning that deteriorating economic conditions are intensifying hardship for workers across the country.
He noted that increases in fuel prices have triggered higher transport fares, rising food costs, and broader pressure on household 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 called for the development of a robust energy policy capable of insulating Nigeria from global economic shocks.
“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 added.
On pension matters, he expressed concern over the proliferation of pension unions, stating that it has created confusion within the system. He disclosed that the congress is engaging stakeholders to improve coordination, particularly regarding pension deductions and remittances.
Commenting on the forthcoming Workers’ Day, Ajaero clarified that any demonstrations would be 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 acknowledging that most states have complied, he noted that implementation gaps persist at the local government level, within parts of the education sector, and in consequential salary adjustments.
Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to advocating policies that enhance 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, while expressing optimism about effective implementation.
