The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has decried the worsening economic conditions in the country, saying the current minimum wage proposed by the administration of President Bola Tinubu cannot buy a bag of rice, let alone sustain workers till the end of the month.
Speaking at the 2025 pre-May Day press briefing in Abuja, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, listed a litany of grievances, ranging from harsh economic policies and political interference in labour activities to widespread insecurity.
Ajaero described the economic environment as “hostile” to Nigerian workers, adding that the removal of fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira, and persistent inflation have deepened the poverty level among citizens. According to him, the purchasing power of workers has been eroded to the point of helplessness.
“It is clear that the policies of the government, particularly the ill-timed and unstructured removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have pushed Nigerian workers and their families to the brink,” Ajaero said.
He reiterated the labour union’s demand for a minimum wage of N70,000, noting that although it falls short of truly matching the cost of living, it could serve as a starting point for negotiation under the prevailing economic conditions.
Asked about the general mood of workers ahead of May Day celebrations, he replied: “Hunger! We are hungry. The minimum wage cannot buy a bag of rice. If you’re sincere and go to work every day for 20 days, your salary is gone on transportation alone.
“We are not asking for luxury. We are simply demanding a wage that allows a worker to live a dignified life — pay rent, feed their family, send their children to school, and afford transportation to work.”
He added that the government’s proposed initiatives, including the N70,000 minimum wage, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transport system, and the student loan programme, must go beyond policy statements and be implemented fully if the Renewed Hope agenda is to mean anything.
On the transport sector, Ajaero criticised the failure to deliver promised palliatives meant to cushion the effect of subsidy removal. He particularly noted the delay in the rollout of CNG infrastructure and vehicles as a missed opportunity to ease the burden on commuters.
“They promised CNG buses — where are they? They promised wage awards — many states have not implemented anything. The promises made last year have largely remained on paper,” he lamented.
The NLC President also condemned the irregularities in salary payments and non-implementation of wage awards by several state governments, accusing them of breaching collective agreements.
He called for an immediate harmonisation of public sector salaries across federal and state levels, including a review of grade levels and step progressions to ensure fairness and equity.
Ajaero further criticised the country’s current tax system, which he said disproportionately targets low-income earners while the wealthy and multinational corporations evade their obligations.
“In Nigeria, someone earning N50,000 a month is taxed heavily, while billionaires escape without paying their fair share. That must change,” he insisted.
He concluded by drawing attention to the insecurity plaguing the country, saying it not only undermines productivity but also places workers’ lives at risk, especially those in rural and conflict-prone areas.
Ajaero also expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the healthcare and education sectors, noting that many workers can no longer access basic medical care or afford quality education for their children.
* Media Report