The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero, has expressed his deep concern over the ongoing difficulty in persuading state governors to implement the N70,000 minimum wage amidst Nigeria’s challenging economic conditions.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2024 delegates’ conference of the NLC Youth Council in Abuja, Ajaero lamented the growing cost of living and the ever-widening gap between the wealthy and the rest of the population.
“Comrades, let’s be clear about the reality we are facing,” Ajaero told the audience. “This is a nation where the rich continue to prosper off the backs of the poor, where our youth are left to struggle in a job market with few opportunities, and where the value of labor is consistently undermined.”
He went on to highlight the escalating financial pressures on Nigerian families, pointing out that the price of a 50kg bag of rice has soared to N105,000, transport costs from Abuja to Port Harcourt now exceed N50,000, housing has become nearly impossible to afford, and access to basic healthcare is slipping out of reach. Despite these dire conditions, he noted, some state governors are still resisting the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage, which was set by law.
“This is a time for action, not lamentation,” Ajaero continued. “We must stand firm in the face of these challenges. No one will build this nation for us.”
He also emphasized the crucial role that youth must play in shaping the future of Nigeria, particularly in the trade union movement. Ajaero called on young people to embrace their responsibilities with resilience, courage, and vision, urging them to rise above the hardships and actively engage in the pursuit of social and economic justice.
To further empower the youth, Ajaero announced plans to establish youth executive councils in every state council of the NLC. These councils will serve as platforms for addressing issues specific to young workers and promoting deeper engagement in the union.
The theme of the conference, “Youth and the New World of Work: Imperative of a New Social Contract,” underscored the need for a fresh approach to fairness and justice in an ever-evolving labor landscape.
Ajaero concluded his remarks by encouraging the youth to stay committed to their cause and assured them that the NLC would continue to stand with them, offering unwavering support as they work toward a brighter future.
