Citing rising inflation and deteriorating hardship nationwide, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to review workers’ wages immediately in the upcoming year.
NLC President Joe Ajaero stated in his New Year’s speech to employees that workers’ pay should be a livable wage rather than just enough to survive.
“In keeping with Mr. President’s pledge to pay living wages, we demand an urgent salary review given the rising inflation and hardship. A worker’s income must guarantee life, not just survival. We will use every legal tool at our disposal to pursue this,” Ajaero declared.
The labor leader admitted that 2025 was a particularly challenging year for Nigerian workers, characterized by increased vulnerability and economic distress.
“As we approach 2026, the Nigeria Labour Congress offers firm fraternal greetings and strong solidarity to every citizen burdened by the burden of our current socioeconomic system and every working hand.” The previous year was undoubtedly difficult and revealed our weaknesses, he said.
Ajaero stated that organized labor was unwavering in its quest for social justice and fair income allocation despite the obstacles.
“However, they did little to weaken our resolve or focus in our pursuit of social justice and equitable wealth redistribution as a means of fostering national unity,” he continued.
According to Ajaero, the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised more significant participation, therefore the new year is filled with cautious optimism.
“We approach this new year with a strengthened resolve, bolstered by struggle and clarity, rather than with naive hope.” He stated, “The President’s pledges of a more devoted and significant involvement from the Federal Government have opened a potential vista for dialogue.”
But he cautioned that the NLC would continue to be watchful and would not think twice about organizing workers to hold the government responsible.
“Our responsibility is very clear; we must organize, mobilize, and hold every level of government accountable,” stated Ajaero. Only governments and political players who exhibit a sincere willingness to elevate the masses out of poverty and oppression through well-defined, pro-people initiatives and concrete promises will have our support.
According to the president of the NLC, organized labor will oppose political manipulation and reject leaders who profit from divisive politics and hollow promises.
He declared, “We reject outright those mercantilistic politicians whose stock-in-trade are empty promises, divisive rhetoric, and policies that decimate our living standards for the benefit of a parasitic few.”
He emphasized that peace and safety are essential to national stability and said that security must continue to be a major priority for governments at all levels.
“We acknowledge recent successes,” the NLC President declared. Since everyone deserves to live in peace and security, we will keep pushing the state to build on its current achievements. The government shouldn’t go back in time.
In closing, Ajaero urged workers to stick together in 2026, stating that solidarity is the most powerful instrument for transforming the country.
As a result, let’s proceed with greater unity, organization, and resolve than ever before. Our success lies in our unity, and our strength remains in our numbers,” he declared.
