The President of the National Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has revealed that the union’s minimum wage demands may increase to N1 million per month if the country’s economic challenges persist. In an interview with Arise TV on Sunday, Ajaero cited the worsening inflation and currency depreciation in the country as key drivers for this demand....For More CONTINUE THE FULL READING▶▶
He stated that “This N1 million may be relevant if the value of the Naira continues to depreciate; if the inflation continues to depreciate. The demand of Labour is equally dependent on what is happening in the society.”
Ajaero went on to highlight the effects of the current economic situation on the cost of living, stating that a bag of rice currently costs between N60,000 to N70,000, and foodstuff is becoming increasingly unaffordable. He also pointed out that their demand for an increase in minimum wage would be based on the cost of living index.
Ajaero’s comments are coming at a time when strike threats are looming as organised labour, including the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC), is set to meet with the federal government to discuss resolutions following a 14-day strike warning. The unions have accused the government of failing to honour previous agreements, including temporary wage awards for workers.
He stated that “Only one month of the N35,000 naira was paid to civil servants. Also, there is no evidence of payment of any N25,000 paid as palliative to workers. That’s what led to what’s happening in the humanitarian ministry. No farmer has come to say that he received fertilizers from the government. I don’t know whether the fertilizers are for sale, or for cultivation.”
The current minimum wage in the country stands at N30,000, with an additional N35,000 temporary award for federal workers implemented in October 2023. However, this award was only meant to last for six months.….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>
