…says anything less than living wage condemns workers to poverty
…threatens industrial crisis if there’s no new minimum wage before May ending
…criticises economic policies, floating of naira, borrowing to bridge forex gaps
BOMA DIPRIYE
ABUJA, Nigeria – The organised labour under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have insisted on their demand for a new minimum wage of N615,000.
President NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, re-echoed the labour’s position yesterday at the 2024 May Day celebrations in Abuja, despite the federal government’s recent salary increase of between 25 percent and 35 percent for workers in the civil service.
The Federal Government, through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) had announced the 35 percent increase on the eve of the May Day, but noted that it takes effect from January 1, 2024.
While ignoring the salary increase, Ajaero said that their demand for N615,000 as minimum wage is based on figures on real data gathered from workers responses nationwide, and that it reflects the true cost of living for an average family.
Speaking further, the labour leader said that anything less than a living wage would condemn workers to poverty.
Meanwhile, both NLC and TUC have warned that the increment must be effected before May ending, as failure of which industrial peace may not be guaranteed any further
Ajaero said that the Labour had pressed for a two-year lifespan for the new act, with automatic adjustments triggered by inflation surpassing 7.5%.
He said state governments must also follow cue when a new national minimum wage is birthed.
“Comrades, the battle for a new national minimum wage rages on. Our demand of N615,000 stands firm, rooted in the grim reality of workers’ lives across the nation. Through rigorous engagement with all stakeholders, we’ve pressed for a two-year lifespan for the new act, with automatic adjustments triggered by inflation surpassing 7.5%.
“Every employer with five employees and above, must comply. We demand robust monitoring and strict penalties for non-compliant state governments. We have based our figures on real data gathered from your responses nationwide, ensuring that our demand reflects the true cost of living for an average family.
“Our message is clear: anything less than a living wage condemns workers to poverty. We urge vigilance as we near the finish line, determined not to let other interests derail our pursuit of economic justice. Together, we will ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise of a living wage becomes a reality for every worker in Nigeria.
“If, however, the negotiation of the National Minimum wage is not concluded by the end of May, the Trade Union Movement in Nigeria will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the country,” Ajaero stated.
Criticising the economic policies implemented by this administration, Labour said Nigerians have been inflicted with severe hardship, particularly on the most vulnerable in our society – workers, the marginalized, and those on fixed incomes.
He noted that as outlined in our Constitution, the government’s duty is clear: to prioritize the security and welfare of our citizens, promote prosperity, ensure equal wealth distribution, and provide essential services such as education, healthcare, and shelter.
He said Chapter 2 articulates the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, which underscore the government’s duty to its people and the nation
To the NLC and TUC, many government policies have widened the gap between the wealthy and the impoverished, driving countless Nigerians deeper into poverty. Consider the decision to remove subsidies on essential commodities like petrol, leading to price hikes that strain the average citizen’s ability to meet basic needs.
Ajaero lamented that food inflation is over 40%, while headline inflation is around 33.20%, pushing essential items out of reach for many. Real wages are diminishing, with workers spending over 75% of their income on food alone.
