The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has declared that a monthly salary of ₦70,000 is no longer enough to support Nigerian workers through a standard five-day workweek, citing the harsh economic reality triggered by policy reforms.
Speaking at the May Day event, NLC President, Joe Ajaero said that although the minimum wage has been raised from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 in some sectors, inflation and the removal of fuel subsidies have eroded the value of that increase. “Workers can’t survive on this,” Ajaero stated. “Imagine buying electricity tokens for ₦50,000. What’s left?”
He pointed out that the cost of living has skyrocketed, with electricity, transportation, and food prices consuming nearly all of the average worker’s income.
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Ajaero emphasized that the government’s promised relief measures—such as CNG buses and wage awards—remain largely undelivered, leaving workers exposed to worsening hardship.
He also criticized several state governments for failing to comply with the new wage adjustments, despite signing agreements with labour unions. This, according to the NLC, has led to overworked and underpaid civil servants nationwide.
The Congress urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to act swiftly and implement structural solutions that prioritize workers’ well-being over political rhetoric. “Nigerian workers are hungry,” Ajaero said plainly. “They’re struggling to survive.”
Crediblenewsng.com
