Petrol price has made the N70,000 minimum wage worthless — NLC

Petrol price has made the N70,000 minimum wage worthless — NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is sounding the alarm that the recent petrol price hike has essentially wiped out the benefits of the proposed N70,000 minimum wage. NLC President Joe Ajaero made this stark assessment at a workshop in Lagos, where he also accused President Bola Tinubu of deceiving organized labor into accepting the N70,000 minimum wage under false pretenses.

A False Promise?

Ajaero claims that President Tinubu initially offered a N250,000 minimum wage, but only if labor agreed to a petrol price increase. The NLC rejected this proposal, recognizing it would harm all Nigerians, not just workers.

The Consequences

With the current petrol price, even the N250,000 minimum wage would be insufficient, as the cost of living continues to rise. Ajaero emphasized that constant salary increases would only lead to further price hikes, damaging the economy.

A Call to Action

The NLC president urged the government to address the widespread hunger, poverty, and frustration plaguing Nigerians. He warned that the situation could escalate if left unchecked.

The Struggle Continues

Private sector employers resisted the N70,000 minimum wage, aligning themselves with state and federal governments against labor. Ajaero reiterated that despite accepting the N70,000 minimum wage, the rising fuel costs have made it inadequate, leaving workers struggling to cope.

The NLC’s concerns highlight the pressing need for a comprehensive solution to Nigeria’s economic woes.