The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has openly expressed regret over the decision to accept the N70,000 new minimum wage, stating that the recent hike in petrol prices has wiped out any potential benefits for workers.
Speaking at a workshop in Lagos focused on the upcoming 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, Ajaero revealed that the labour union felt deceived by Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the government pushed them into accepting the wage increase under the pretense that it would prevent further petrol price hikes. However, as fuel prices continue to soar, the NLC now feels that the deal achieved little to address the rising cost of living.
How NLC Signed N70,000 Minimum Wage Deal Amid Strikes and Inflation
Parallel Facts reported that On July 18, 2024, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) signed an agreement with the Federal Government, establishing a new minimum wage of 70,000 Naira. This came after months of labour unrest, national shutdown and demands for a more substantial wage increase.
The union had initially pushed for a minimum wage of 250,000 Naira, which they believed would better reflect a living wage in the face of skyrocketing inflation. The previous minimum wage of 30,000 Naira set in 2018, had become grossly inadequate, leaving many workers struggling to make ends meet.
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Nlc Expresses Regrets
However, NLC’s president, Ajaero has voiced concerns over the severe hardship and poverty many Nigerians face. He noted that despite promises of relief and the acceptance of a 70,000 minimum wage, the reality on the ground is still worsening, leaving the average worker struggling to survive.
Reflecting on the conversations between labour leaders and Tinubu prior to agreeing on the N70,000 wage, Ajaero admitted that the government has effectively distracted organized labour, leaving workers to silently bear the brunt of higher fuel prices and economic strain.
According to him, while Nigerians appear to be adjusting, it is a sign of their suffering, not acceptance of the current situation.
He further warned that the government must act quickly to address the growing frustration among citizens, or risk social unrest.
Ajaero said,“There is a tactic to distract our attention, to call us names, level allegations against us over cybercrime, financing terrorism, sponsoring terrorism and the rest.
“Those things have paid off because while we are facing those allegations, this issue of pump price has remained.
“I repeat, we were betrayed by Mr President, That statement we issued over our being betrayed is being denied by officials of the government. I am repeating it that we were betrayed.”
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