The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says Nigerian workers remain under severe economic pressure despite the N70,000 national minimum wage, insisting that its two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government remains in force.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, stated this on Monday in Abuja, calling for urgent action to ease workers’ hardship amid rising petrol prices and the increasing cost of living.
Ajaero said the 2024 minimum wage agreement had failed to provide sufficient relief, as workers struggle to afford basic necessities, including food and transportation.
He urged the government to address the declining purchasing power of workers proactively rather than wait for industrial action.
The NLC had issued a two-week ultimatum demanding a reduction in petrol prices and fresh negotiations on the national minimum wage.
Ajaero confirmed that correspondence had been exchanged between organised labour and the government but stressed that the ultimatum remained in force.
He also appealed to government officials to take steps to alleviate workers’ suffering, saying their actions would be remembered by history.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, called for a balance between workers’ demands for improved wages and the government’s financial capacity, warning against avoidable industrial disputes.
