NLC President Decries Struggle To Secure Minimum Wage Amid Economic Hardship
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The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday expressed deep concerns about the difficulties the union faces in convincing state governors to pay the minimum wage of N70,000, amidst the harsh economic realities confronting Nigerians.
Speaking at the 2024 delegates conference of the NLC Youth Council in Abuja, Ajaero lamented the escalating cost of living, including the soaring prices of food and essential services.
“The harsh realities of our country cannot be sugar-coated. We live in a nation where the rich grow fatter on the sweat of the poor, where our youths struggle to find meaningful work, and where the value of labor is often trampled underfoot,” Ajaero stated during his address.
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The NLC president emphasised that basic necessities such as food and healthcare had become increasingly inaccessible.
He noted that a 50kg bag of rice now costs N105,000, transport from Abuja to Port Harcourt exceeds N50,000, and decent housing remains out of reach for many Nigerians.
Despite these challenges, he criticized the sluggish response of some state governors to the N70,000 minimum wage law, a situation he deemed as exacerbating the already dire conditions.
Ajaero, however, urged Nigerians not to wallow in despair but to embrace resilience. “This is not a time for lamentation; it is a time for determination. No one will build our nation for us,” he emphasized.
Further, Ajaero highlighted the importance of the youth in reshaping the nation’s future. He pointed out that the trade union movement’s survival and the nation’s progress largely depend on the courage, resilience, and vision of the younger generation.
The NLC president also announced plans to establish youth executive councils in every state council to address issues unique to young people and enhance their involvement in the union’s activities.
Ajaero urged the youth to take ownership of their roles and stay united in their efforts to bring about positive change. He assured them that the NLC would continue to stand with them, offering support, guidance, and advocacy in the battle for a better tomorrow.
