The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announced plans to meet with the federal government to address the impact of the recent petrol price hike on workers. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the increase has undermined the yet-to-be implemented N70,000 minimum wage. He revealed this during a workshop on the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act in Lagos.
Ajaero accused President Bola Tinubu of deceiving the labour movement into accepting the new wage to prevent a further petrol price hike. He urged the government to tackle the growing hunger and frustration among Nigerians, warning of potential unrest if conditions worsen.
In recounting discussions with President Tinubu, Ajaero explained how organised labour was pressured to agree to the wage hike, despite concerns that higher fuel prices would continue to hurt the economy. He said the NLC rejected proposals for an even higher wage, citing its likely ineffectiveness due to inflation.
The NLC president added that the private sector had resisted the N70,000 wage agreement, contributing to tense negotiations. Ajaero noted that these issues, including alleged attempts to distract organised labour, led to walkouts during previous talks.
