As Nigerians observe May Day under mounting economic pressures, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that the proposed ₦70,000 minimum wage is grossly inadequate to meet the daily needs of workers, especially in light of soaring inflation and living costs.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, speaking at the 6th National Gender Conference of the NLC National Women Commission in Abuja, said the wage structure being considered cannot cover basic transportation costs for workers commuting five days a week.
“₦70,000 can’t take a worker to and from work for 24 days in a month. That’s the sad reality we are faced with,” Ajaero declared, underscoring the impact of rising transport fares, food prices, rent, and school fees on Nigerian workers.
He disclosed that many public sector employees have resorted to cutting back on their number of workdays simply to survive, as inflation continues to eat into disposable income.
Economic analysts estimate that with inflation nearing 24 per cent, the real value of ₦70,000 would decline to about ₦53,000 by July unless urgent measures are taken.
Echoing these concerns, former Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Tommy Okon, said Nigerian workers are still mired in poverty despite government reforms. “People are now simply trying to survive each day,” he said, urging the government to rethink its economic and security strategies.
Also speaking at the conference, NLC Deputy General Secretary Chris Onyeka raised concerns about the growing number of “working poor,” saying both formal and informal sector workers are slipping deeper into hardship with little relief in sight.
Lagos NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, painted a grim picture of the year so far. “This year has been the hardest. Prices are going up daily, and no one is doing anything to cushion the impact,” she said, urging leaders to act with urgency and compassion.
Sessi also called on Nigerians to show solidarity with one another, warning that if the current trend continues, even the basic dignity of labour will be undermined.
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