The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed frustration over the devastating impact of the recent fuel price hike on workers’ livelihoods.
The labour body announced Thursday that it plans to meet with the federal government to discuss how employees can cope with the escalating cost of living, as the N70,000 new minimum wage has been rendered ineffective.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, revealed this at the opening of a two-day workshop in Lagos titled “Strategies for Effective Implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.” Ajaero emphasized that organised labour felt misled by President Bola Tinubu, who promised that the new wage would cushion the effects of the fuel price increase.
Ajaero criticized the government for failing to address the worsening hunger, poverty, and frustration among Nigerians, warning that the situation is becoming dire. “Nigerians are really suffering,” he lamented.
Reflecting on previous discussions with President Tinubu, Ajaero shared that organised labour had been pressured into accepting the N70,000 minimum wage under the belief it would prevent a further rise in petrol prices. However, he said the government had continually distracted labour with false accusations of terrorism and cybercrime, while the key issue of fuel costs remained unresolved.
“We were betrayed by Mr. President,” Ajaero reiterated, addressing the government’s denial of these claims. He recalled a meeting where President Tinubu allegedly gave labour leaders an ultimatum to choose between a minimum wage of N250,000 or a hike in fuel prices. Ajaero noted that labour ultimately rejected this offer, fearing that such an increase would cripple the economy and make even N250,000 insufficient to meet basic needs.
He also disclosed that President Tinubu had suggested labour leaders visit West African countries, where fuel prices were significantly higher, as part of the negotiations. However, Ajaero said labour refused the offer, concerned that Nigerians would perceive the trip as a bribe.
In concluding, Ajaero noted that while some stakeholders accepted the N70,000 minimum wage despite reservations, many employers in the private sector remain unwilling to pay the new wage. This resistance, combined with government inaction, has exacerbated the struggles faced by Nigerian workers.
