Nigeria Labour Congress Demands Wage Increase Amid Rising Costs

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urgently called on both federal and state governments to implement a Wage Award and a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for all workers. This demand comes in response to soaring living costs, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a significant impact on fuel prices and overall inflation in Nigeria.

In a statement released by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the labour organization highlighted that the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has surged to between N1,170 and N1,300 per litre. Ajaero emphasized that many Nigerian workers are suffering under the weight of this crisis, which they did not cause. The NLC noted that the rising costs of fuel and food have rendered current wages insufficient, describing them as “mere stipends of starvation.”

The NLC has outlined several urgent demands to mitigate the impact of these economic challenges. These include immediate provisions for a Wage Award and COLA for all workers, an expansion and overhaul of cash transfer programs to ensure they reach the most vulnerable populations, and tax relief measures for low-income earners. The organization has criticized the taxing of minimum wage earners as a form of extortion.

In addition, the NLC urged the federal government to establish a timeline for the full operationalization of all public refineries. They expressed concerns about the potential for sabotage aimed at creating a monopoly in the oil sector, asserting that no nation can achieve economic stability by outsourcing jobs and importing prices.

Ajaero stated, “When a worker cannot afford to go to work, the economy stops. When a family cannot afford three meals a day, society sits on a keg of gunpowder.” He emphasized the government’s duty to intervene and alleviate the suffering of its citizens rather than remain passive in the face of escalating hardship.

The NLC has also expressed concerns regarding the anticipated N30 trillion oil windfall that Nigeria is projected to receive as a result of the Middle East conflict. The organization insists that these funds must be directed towards uplifting the Nigerian populace rather than disappearing without accountability, as was the case with previous oil revenues.

According to the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from this crisis. The NLC argues that the government must be held accountable for the millions spent on maintenance of public refineries, which they believe should be operational to support the economy.

Ajaero reiterated, “We are not a statistic; we are the engine of this nation. When the engine overheats, the entire vehicle crashes.” He urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with workers and the general public, advocating for actions that prioritize the welfare of the citizenry. He concluded by stating, “Using the Middle East war as an excuse to further impoverish Nigerians is unacceptable. The primary duty of government is to ensure the welfare of the citizenry. We demand action. We demand justice. We demand survival.”