NLC President Slams States Over Inadequate Minimum Wage Implementation
Workers’ Salaries Eroded by Inflation and Taxation
Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has strongly criticized state governments for their failure to fully implement the new N70,000 minimum wage. Speaking at the 6th National Gender Conference in Abuja, Ajaero revealed that some states have only increased workers’ salaries by a meager N5,000, rendering the wage adjustment meaningless.
Workers Face Harsh Economic Realities
Ajaero highlighted how inflation and taxation have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power. If you want to be a serious worker and go to work for 24 days or 20 days a month, the N70,000 will disappear. That’s a fact today,
he stated, emphasizing the dire economic situation facing Nigerian workers.
Minimum Wage Implementation Called a “Crime”
The labor leader described the current implementation of the minimum wage as the worst crime I have ever seen.
He questioned the sincerity of some governors, noting that in some states, you just notice N5,000 added to your salary. So, what is the essence of consequential adjustment?
NLC Left Out of Salary Adjustment Discussions
Ajaero also criticized the lack of consultation with the NLC regarding salary adjustments. At the level of consequential adjustment, the NLC was not contacted. So I wonder why workers should be short-changed — I do not understand,
he lamented.
Gender Discrimination in the Workplace
The conference also addressed workplace inequality, with NLC Women’s Commission Chairperson Salamatu Aliu highlighting persistent gender-based discrimination and abuse faced by female workers across Nigeria.