The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has raised alarm over the impact of inflation on the N70,000 minimum wage approved by President Bola Tinubu’s government, emphasizing that rising costs are severely affecting the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.
Ajaero, speaking at the quadrennial delegates conference of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Abuja, decried the escalating costs of essential services, particularly electricity tariffs and taxes, which now surpass the approved minimum wage.
“This is a period where the tax on your salaries is almost higher than the minimum wage increase on the salaries,” Ajaero said.
“It is a period we need to sit and reflect on our survival. What are those things that affect us most? The social safety nets that are obtainable in some developed economies of the world, and we need to fight for them.”
The NLC president further questioned the implementation of the new minimum wage, urging a deeper examination of how it was applied amidst the rising cost of living.
“Very important, the cost of living index. We need to look at it. How does it affect an average worker? How was the minimum wage the NLC, TUC, and others fought for implemented?” Ajaero asked.
He highlighted that the daily struggles of workers had worsened with landlords and transporters taking advantage of the situation.
According to him, the cost of basic services like electricity and telecommunications was consuming the entirety of the minimum wage.
“The landlords and transporters have taken it all. The electricity tariff is more than our minimum wage, and the tariff on telecom is increasing by the day,” he lamented.
Ajaero called for solidarity among labour unions and civil society organizations to address these challenges. He stressed the need for a united front to combat the numerous issues affecting workers across the nation.
“It is a period we need to reenact our relationship with not just the trade union movement, but our civil society allies and the Nigerian masses,” he stated.
“The NLC is extending its hand of fellowship to the TUC for us to work together hand in hand for the interest of the Nigerian people and workers.”
The high cost of living under the current administration has been a major concern for Nigerians, with many arguing that the value of the N70,000 minimum wage has been eroded by inflation.
As Ajaero pointed out, the financial strain on workers continues to grow as essential services become increasingly unaffordable.
The NLC president’s remarks come at a time when the government and labour unions are under pressure to address the worsening economic situation in the country.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
