The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised serious concerns about the impact of the current petrol prices on the yet-to-be-implemented N70,000 minimum wage. According to the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the rise in petrol costs has effectively wiped out the benefits of the new wage, leaving workers in a difficult situation.
Speaking at an event in Lagos on September 19, Ajaero expressed disappointment over how the wage increase, meant to ease the burden on Nigerian workers, has been overshadowed by the surge in fuel prices. He accused the government, particularly President Bola Tinubu, of deceiving the NLC into accepting the N70,000 minimum wage, only to see the fuel prices increase afterward.
Ajaero highlighted that Nigerians are now facing extreme hardships due to skyrocketing prices of essential goods, transportation, and fuel, which have resulted from the recent hikes. He noted that workers are struggling to survive under these conditions.
In his speech, Ajaero explained that during negotiations, the government offered a N250,000 minimum wage but with the condition of a further increase in petrol prices. The labour union rejected this offer, stating that any rise in petrol prices would affect every Nigerian and worsen the country's economic situation.
“Even N250,000 wouldn’t be useful to us,” Ajaero stressed, noting that continual salary increases without tackling inflation and fuel price hikes would only damage the economy further. He pointed out that even the proposed N250,000 might not be enough to cover fuel expenses, leaving workers no better off.
Another challenge the NLC faces is resistance from private sector employers who are unwilling to adopt the N70,000 minimum wage. According to Ajaero, negotiations with the private sector were tough, as they refused to shift their stance. This has left workers in a dilemma, with both the private and public sectors showing reluctance to provide meaningful wage increases.
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Ajaero’s concerns mirror the frustrations of many Nigerians who are grappling with poverty, hunger, and soaring costs of living. The labour leader called on the government to take immediate action to address these issues before things spiral out of control.
Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet, and the minimum wage, even if implemented, may not be enough to alleviate their suffering if petrol prices continue to rise. The NLC continues to push for solutions that would provide real relief to the country's workforce.
The N70,000 minimum wage, though a step in the right direction, appears insufficient in the face of rising petrol prices and inflation. The NLC’s grievances reflect the daily struggles of Nigerian workers, and until fuel prices are addressed, even higher wages may not bring much-needed relief. The government must act swiftly to prevent the situation from worsening.