By Milcah Tanimu
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concern that the recent hike in petrol prices has effectively nullified the benefits of the proposed N70,000 national minimum wage. NLC President Joe Ajaero announced plans to meet with the federal government to find solutions for workers suffering from this economic strain.
Ajaero lamented that Nigerians are enduring severe hardships, urging the government to tackle issues of hunger, poverty, and frustration. During previous negotiations with President Bola Tinubu, he stated that the government offered a higher minimum wage if petrol prices were raised, a proposal labor ultimately rejected due to concerns that it would not alleviate the rising cost of living.
The NLC president also accused the government of distracting labor with false allegations related to cybercrime and terrorism financing, allowing for the petrol price increase without labor’s approval. Ajaero mentioned that the government had proposed a tour of West African countries where petrol prices are lower, but labor dismissed this as a bribe that wouldn’t address the underlying issues.
He highlighted the challenges labor faces in negotiations with private sector employers and state governments, where some employers have remained inflexible, leading to walkouts and stalemates. The NLC’s call for a meeting comes as Nigerians struggle with the implications of rising petrol prices on their daily lives, demanding immediate action from the government to alleviate the suffering of workers and citizens.
