The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has refuted claims that its ongoing confrontations with the government are solely focused on wage issues. Instead, the NLC emphasizes that its primary goal is to ensure that the nation’s economy benefits all Nigerians, regardless of their status.
NLC President Joe Ajaero made these remarks in Lagos on Thursday during a one-day workshop organized by the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN).
Ajaero was represented by his 1st Deputy President and President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Prince Adewale Adeyanju.
Adeyanju expressed frustration over how rampant inflation had undermined the yet-to-be-implemented N70,000 new national minimum wage.
“Today, we gather amidst a crisis of survival that has gripped Nigerian workers and citizens. This crisis is not an accident of fate but a direct consequence of ill-thought-out and ill-implemented policies by the Tinubu-led federal government. The hike in the price of petrol, the devaluation of the Naira, and the unrelenting increases in electricity tariffs have compounded the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians. Moreover, unchecked corruption and fiscal indiscipline have paved the way for an ostentatious lifestyle among political office holders, with little regard for the suffering masses,” Adeyanju said.
He elaborated on the severe impact these policies have had on Nigerians, noting that increased petrol prices have led to skyrocketing transportation and food costs, which are straining household budgets. The devaluation of the Naira has diminished the purchasing power of the average Nigerian, making basic necessities increasingly unaffordable. Rising electricity tariffs are plunging many into darkness and choking small businesses, which are vital to the economy.
Read also: Notorious bandit, Bello Turji releases video of hostages begging for their lives, justifies imposing N50m levy on Zamfara community
Adeyanju also criticized the rampant corruption and fiscal irresponsibility that has allowed political office holders to lead extravagant lifestyles while ordinary citizens suffer.
“The lavish lifestyles of political office holders stand in stark contrast to the daily struggles of the average Nigerian worker, creating a chasm of inequality that undermines the very fabric of our society. Fiscal indiscipline has resulted in reckless spending, where public funds are misused for extravagant purchases that serve no benefit to the populace. This reckless abandon cannot be allowed to continue unchecked,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Adeyanju highlighted the NLC’s ongoing efforts to secure fair wages for Nigerian workers. The N70,000 national minimum wage, which was agreed upon after extensive negotiations, has been signed into law. However, Adeyanju pointed out that the implementation of this wage remains problematic due to inflation.
“The current nominal value of the N70,000 minimum wage is constantly undermined by the prevailing inflation rate. What was meant to provide a semblance of relief now barely covers basic needs. The cost of living continues to rise, and the purchasing power of Nigerian workers continues to dwindle.”
He questioned how a worker earning N70,000 can survive in an economy where inflation has significantly devalued their earnings. “How can we justify a system where the wealth of the nation is enjoyed by a select few, while the majority is left to struggle for survival?”
Ultimately, Adeyanju emphasized that the NLC’s struggle extends beyond wages. “Our fight is not just about wages. It is about securing a future where every Nigerian can live a life of dignity and have access to opportunities. It is about creating an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.”
The post Our struggle is about improving living conditions for Nigerians, not just wages —NLC appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Naomisophyblog.
