x

NLC boss laments struggle to enforce minimum wage amid economic hardship

By Abigail Philip David

The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday lamented the challenges in securing the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage by some state governors despite the worsening economic conditions in the country.

Speaking at the 2024 Delegates Conference of the NLC Youth Council in Abuja, Ajaero highlighted the rising cost of living, including soaring food prices, unaffordable housing, and inaccessible healthcare, as harsh realities faced by Nigerians.

“The harsh realities of our country cannot be sugar-coated. We live in a nation where the rich grow fatter on the sweat of the poor, where our youths struggle to find meaningful work, and where the value of labour is often trampled underfoot,” Ajaero said.

He cited the cost of a 50kg bag of rice, now priced at N105,000, and transport fares exceeding N50,000 as examples of the economic strain on workers. Despite these challenges, he noted that the NLC has had to struggle to ensure the implementation of the “paltry” N70,000 minimum wage, which is enshrined in law.

However, Ajaero emphasized that this is a time for determination, not lamentation, urging Nigerians to take responsibility for building the nation.

He also stressed the critical role of youths in shaping the future of the trade union movement and the country, calling on them to rise to the challenges of leadership with resilience, courage, and vision.

As part of the NLC’s efforts to empower young workers, Ajaero announced plans to establish youth executive councils in every state. These councils will serve as platforms for addressing youth-specific issues and increasing their involvement in union activities.

The conference, themed *“Youth and the New World of Work: Imperative of a New Social Contract,”* underscored the need for young people to redefine fairness and justice in the evolving labor landscape.

Ajaero concluded by urging youths to remain focused, committed, and united in their pursuit of a better future, assuring them of the NLC’s unwavering support and readiness to stand by them in the fight for a more equitable society.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Groups Back Tinubu’s Oil Sector Reforms, Caution Against Sponsored Protests‎

‎Says sector reforms will soon yield results‎‎Calls for an...

Peter Obi Declares 2027 Presidential Bid, Dismisses VP Speculations

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has confirmed...

BREAKING: Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, Passes Away at 90 After One Year on Throne

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed...

Plateau Central Senator Diket Plang Loses Wife, Janet

By Israel Adamu, Jos Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District...

SGF position cannot stop North-Central from having National Chairman – APC Forum 

By Israel Adamu ,Jos  The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC)...

KDSG commence free bus service for Civil Servants, Students

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna  The Kaduna Subsidized Transport Scheme (KSTS)...

NDDC Bolsters Bayelsa Communities with Essential Aid

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa  The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img