By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said that even a monthly salary of ₦1 million would hold little value for Nigerian workers if the naira remains weak and economic conditions fail to improve.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this known during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He emphasised that organised labour is more concerned about the purchasing power of wages than headline salary figures, noting that inflation continues to erode workers’ income.

According to Ajaero, the rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for workers to afford basic needs such as food, transportation, and housing. He stressed that a strong and stable currency is essential for salaries to be meaningful.

“Even if workers earn ₦1 million, it will not matter if the naira has no value. What we need is a currency that can sustain families through the month,” he said.

On the issue of a new national minimum wage, Ajaero explained that negotiations have not yet begun and must follow established legal procedures and timelines. He cautioned against rushing the process due to political considerations, assuring that discussions would commence within the appropriate review period.

The labour leader also called for urgent government intervention to cushion the effects of inflation, warning that rising fuel prices have worsened hardship by driving up transport costs, food prices, and overall living expenses.

He further urged the government to develop a resilient energy policy that would shield Nigeria from external economic shocks, noting that global developments should not automatically translate into local hardship.

Addressing pension related concerns, Ajaero highlighted confusion caused by the emergence of multiple pension unions. He said the NLC is engaging stakeholders to streamline coordination and clarify issues surrounding deductions and remittances.

On the forthcoming International Workers’ Day, Ajaero stated that any planned protests would be limited to states that have not fully implemented the approved minimum wage, rather than a nationwide demonstration. He noted that while many states have complied, gaps remain, particularly at local government levels and within the education sector, including issues with salary adjustments beyond the minimum wage.

He reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to advocating policies that improve workers’ welfare and ensure economic stability, while also commending the Federal Government for reviewing peculiar allowances and approving a 100 per cent duty tour allowance for civil servants, expressing hope for effective implementation.