Our struggles, more for better living conditions for Nigerians than wages — NLC

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed insinuations that its battles with the government is majorly about wages,   sayings its fight with government over the years is to ensure the nation’s economy works for every Nigerian, irrespective of status.

President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, stated this in Lagos at a one-day workshop organised by the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria, LAWAN.

Represented by his 1st Deputy President and President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, (MWUN), Prince Adewale Adeyanju, however lamented that the spiral inflation had already    made nonsense of the yet-to-be implemented N70,000 new national minimum wage.

“Today, we gather amidst a crisis of survival that has gripped Nigerian workers and citizens. This crisis is not an accident of fate but a direct consequence of ill-thought-out and ill- implemented policies by the Tinubu-led federal government. The hike in the price of petrol, the devaluation of the Naira, and the unrelenting increases in electricity tariffs have compounded the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians. Moreover, unchecked corruption and fiscal indiscipline have paved the way for an ostentatious lifestyle among political office holders, with little regard for the suffering masses.

The impact of these policies on the everyday lives of Nigerian workers and their families has been nothing short of devastating. The hike in petrol prices has led to an astronomical increase in transportation and food costs, which has, in turn, strained household budgets beyond breaking point. The devaluation of the Naira has eroded the purchasing power of the average Nigerian, leading to a situation where even basic necessities are becoming increasingly unaffordable. Meanwhile, electricity tariffs continue to soar, forcing many into darkness and stifling small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.

As we grapple with these challenges, we must also confront the rampant corruption that siphons off resources meant for public good. The lavish lifestyles of political office holders stand in stark contrast to the daily struggles of the average Nigerian worker, creating a chasm of inequality that undermines the very fabric of our society. Fiscal indiscipline has resulted in reckless spending, where public funds are misused for extravagant purchases that serve no benefit to the populace. This reckless abandon cannot be allowed to continue unchecked.

In the midst of these challenges, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has fought relentlessly to secure a fair wage for Nigerian workers. After sustained struggle and negotiations, we achieved the landmark agreement on the N70, 000 national minimum wage, which has been signed into law. This achievement is a testament to the resilience and commitment of Nigerian workers and their representatives. Yet, despite this victory, the implementation of the minimum wage remains elusive and speaks to the nature of the battle ahead.

The current nominal value of the N70, 000 minimum wage is constantly undermined by the prevailing inflation rate. What was meant to provide a semblance of relief now barely covers basic needs. The cost of living continues to rise, and the purchasing power of Nigerian workers continues to dwindle. We must ask ourselves: How can a worker who earns N70, 000 survive in an economy where inflation has reduced the value of that wage to the equivalent of a pittance? How can we justify a system where the wealth of the nation is enjoyed by a select few, while the majority is left to struggle for survival?

Our fight is not just about wages. It is about securing a future where every Nigerian can live a life of dignity and have access to opportunities.

It is about creating an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.