The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has lamented over the unbearable economic hardship Nigerians are facing under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, he said that the approved N70,000 minimum wage has been rendered useless by skyrocketing inflation, taxes, and utility tariffs.
Speaking at the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Quadrennial Delegates Conference held in Abuja, Ajaero painted a grim picture of survival for the average Nigerian worker.
“Electricity tariffs and taxes are now far above the so-called minimum wage. The tax on your salary is now almost higher than the wage increase itself,” Ajaero fumed.
“This is a period for deep reflection — how do we survive as a people?”
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It was gathered that he questioned the logic behind the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, citing the rising cost of living that has outpaced the gains made through labour negotiations.
“How does this minimum wage really help the average worker when landlords, transporters, and electricity providers have already taken it all?”
“Even telecom tariffs are going up. Nigerians are being squeezed from every side,” he lamented.
Ajaero however reaffirmed that for unity between labour unions and civil society groups, afterwards advised the TUC and NLC to join forces and fight back on behalf of the Nigerian masses.
“It’s time to re-strategize. This isn’t just a labour issue — this is a national emergency. The Nigerian people are suffering, and we can’t pretend all is well.”
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