The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said that a monthly salary of ₦1 million would hold little value for workers without a stable naira and improved economic conditions.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, stated this in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ajaero said organised labour was more concerned about the strength of the naira than nominal wage increases, noting that rising inflation continued to erode workers’ purchasing power.
He explained that the persistent rise in the cost of living had made it increasingly difficult for workers to afford basic needs such as food, transportation and housing.
“Even if Nigerian workers earn ₦1 million, it will not be meaningful if the naira has no value,” he said, stressing the need for a currency that can sustain workers and their families throughout the month.
On the proposed national minimum wage, Ajaero said the process had not yet begun and must follow legal procedures and established timelines.
“The minimum wage has not been negotiated yet. It is a process that must follow the law. When it is time, we will commence negotiations ahead of its expiration,” he said.
He added that the NLC would initiate discussions within the stipulated period, noting that the process could not be rushed due to political considerations.
The labour leader also called for urgent government intervention to cushion the impact of inflation, warning that the current economic situation had worsened workers’ hardship.
According to him, rising fuel prices have further driven up transportation costs, food prices and the overall cost of living.
“We raised concerns when global developments began to impact fuel prices locally and called for intervention. The situation has not improved,” he said.
Ajaero stressed the need for a resilient national energy policy to reduce the country’s vulnerability to external 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 said.
On pension matters, Ajaero expressed concern over the growing number of pension unions, which he said had created confusion within the system.
He noted that the NLC was engaging stakeholders to address the issue and ensure proper coordination, particularly regarding deductions and remittances of check-off dues.
Speaking ahead of Workers’ Day, Ajaero said any planned protest would be limited to states yet to fully implement the approved minimum wage.
“Street protests, if any, will be in states that have not complied. It is not a nationwide action,” he said.
He added that while most states had complied, some were yet to fully implement the policy, especially at the local government and education sector levels.
Ajaero also highlighted concerns over consequential adjustments, noting that some states were paying only the minimum wage without corresponding salary structure reviews.
“These are technical issues that must be addressed. We will evaluate compliance levels before May Day,” he said.
He reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to advocating policies that improve workers’ welfare and promote economic stability.
Ajaero 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.
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