Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), is urging the Federal Government to reconsider the current minimum wage. He claims that many state governments are now paying more than the Federal Government’s minimum wage of ₦70,000, which became law in July 2024.
Ajaero made these comments during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. He explained that the NLC agreed to the ₦70,000 wage partly because President Bola Tinubu expressed concerns about the financial abilities of state governments. The president indicated he could afford to pay ₦150,000 but wanted to consider what states could manage.
During negotiations, the NLC and the president settled on ₦70,000 after discussions reached a standstill at ₦60,000. Ajaero pointed out that some states, like Imo, are now paying ₦104,000, while others pay amounts ranging from ₦75,000 to ₦100,000. He questioned why the Federal Government has not adjusted its wage to reflect these higher state payments.
Ajaero believes it is time for the Federal Government to reassess its wage policies. He also criticized the government’s recent 30-day fuel discount, calling it a temporary measure that does not address the ongoing issues faced by workers.
He stated that the discount does not change the NLC’s demands for new minimum wage negotiations and other measures to help workers cope with rising costs. Ajaero mentioned that petrol prices were between ₦650 and ₦750 per litre when the minimum wage was set, and he called for clarity on what will happen after the discount period ends.
In addition to a minimum wage review, Ajaero is advocating for tax relief and better pricing for petrol. He expressed frustration that the Federal Government has not engaged in dialogue with the NLC or responded to their letters in recent years.
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