The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has stated that a monthly salary of ₦1 million would be meaningless to Nigerian workers if the naira remains weak and economic conditions fail to improve.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Ajaero emphasized that organised labour is more concerned about the value and stability of the naira than nominal wage increases, noting that rising inflation continues to erode workers’ purchasing power.
Even if Nigerian workers earn ₦1m, it will not be meaningful if the naira has no value,” he said. “What we are looking for is a currency that can sustain workers and their families at least to the end of the month.
Ajaero lamented that the persistent increase in the cost of living has made it difficult for workers to afford basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing. He noted that fuel price hikes have further compounded the hardship, with ripple effects across the economy.
According to him, earlier warnings by the NLC on the impact of global developments on domestic fuel prices have yet to yield meaningful government intervention.
On the issue of a new national minimum wage, the NLC president clarified that the process is governed by law and follows a defined review cycle, dismissing suggestions that it could be rushed ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The minimum wage has not been negotiated yet. It is a process that must follow the law,” he said, adding that negotiations would begin within the stipulated timeframe before the expiration of the current wage structure.
Ajaero also called for the development of a resilient national energy policy to shield Nigeria’s economy from external shocks.
“It is not ideal that events in other parts of the world automatically translate into hardship in Nigeria. We must build a system that protects our economy and citizens,” he said.
The labour leader raised concerns over the proliferation of pension unions, which he said has created confusion within the system. He disclosed that the NLC is engaging stakeholders to harmonise positions and ensure clarity, particularly regarding deductions and remittances.
On the forthcoming Workers’ Day celebrations, Ajaero noted that any protests would be limited to states that have not fully implemented the approved minimum wage.
“Street protests, if any, will be in states that have not complied… It is not a general protest across the country,” he said.
He added that while most states have complied, challenges remain, especially in implementing consequential salary adjustments across sectors such as local government and education.
Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to advocating policies that improve workers’ welfare and economic stability. He also commended the Federal Government for reviewing peculiar allowances and approving a 100 percent duty tour allowance for civil servants, expressing hope for effective implementation.
The remarks come amid ongoing economic pressures and renewed debates over wages, inflation, and the broader cost of living in Nigeria
