mORGANABLE Politics/Governance
The labour leader insisted that the Federal Government must take urgent steps to address workers’ grievances rather than wait until unions embark on nationwide protests or industrial action.
KaNo —
The Nigeria Labour Congress has warned of a possible industrial showdown with the Federal Government over worsening economic hardship, insisting that its two-week ultimatum demanding a reduction in petrol prices and fresh negotiations on the national minimum wage remains in force.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, issued the warning on Monday in Abuja, expressing concern that Nigerian workers were experiencing severe financial difficulties despite the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage approved in 2024.
Ajaero maintained that rising transportation costs, food prices and other essential expenses had significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power, making the existing minimum wage inadequate to meet basic household needs.
His remarks came amid growing disagreements between organised labour and the Federal Government over salary adjustments, economic reforms and measures required to cushion the effects of the rising cost of living.
The labour leader insisted that the Federal Government must take urgent steps to address workers’ grievances rather than wait until unions embark on nationwide protests or industrial action.
Speaking on the ultimatum, Ajaero declared that the labour movement would not withdraw its demands simply because discussions were ongoing between government officials and union representatives.
“I’ve not come here to discuss my ultimatum. My ultimatum stands. I’ve said something about it, and this is not a table. The fact that the permanent secretary is here does not give us the opportunity to start negotiating an ultimatum.
“He has replied a letter, and we have replied him again. So, we will go into that game,” he stated.
The NLC had earlier issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate measures to reduce petrol prices and the commencement of fresh negotiations on workers’ salaries.
The union argued that the prevailing economic situation had rendered the existing wage structure insufficient, particularly for low-income earners struggling with rising household expenses.
Ajaero stressed that the challenges confronting workers extended beyond salary payments, noting that many employees could no longer comfortably afford transportation to their workplaces while providing food for their families.
He appealed to government officials to recognise the seriousness of the situation and introduce policies capable of providing immediate relief.
“But to the head of service, sir, Nigerian workers are really suffering. And if you do something, history and posterity will remember all of us for it,” he said.
According to him, the primary objective of organised labour is not to disrupt economic activities through strikes but to ensure that workers receive adequate protection against worsening economic conditions.
“The point we are making is not strike. The point we are making is that whether you enter bus or you buy fuel, you will not be able to eat,” Ajaero stated.
He criticised what he described as the government’s tendency to delay intervention until organised labour threatens industrial action, arguing that responsible governance requires proactive measures to protect citizens from economic hardship.
The NLC president noted that governments in other countries often introduce interventions to cushion economic pressures before workers resort to demonstrations or strikes.
“But to wait for Labour to be on the street before we address this is not really what is happening all over the world. Countries all over the world will come with interventionary measures even before Labour acts on it. I think we should be more proactive,” he added.
Ajaero also questioned the implementation of the 2024 national minimum wage agreement, particularly claims that federal workers benefited from salary increases of approximately 133 per cent.
He argued that the actual adjustments made to salaries did not reflect the percentage increases being attributed to the negotiations.
According to him, the Federal Government added N40,000 to the salaries of federal public servants, an approach he described as inconsistent with proper wage negotiation procedures.
“After the last minimum wage negotiation, which some of you have been arguing that it attracted about 133 per cent increase, what the head of service—what they did was adding 40,000 to every worker. That’s not the real way to negotiate.
“All the federal public service workers, they added 40,000 to them. 40,000 does not translate to 100 per cent or 133 per cent. And the consequences are what we are facing now, sir,” he explained.
The labour leader maintained that the adjustment had failed to provide sustainable financial relief, especially as rising petrol prices continued to increase transportation and other living expenses.
He further expressed concern over unresolved industrial disputes involving workers in different sectors, warning that prolonged delays in addressing their grievances could undermine industrial harmony.
Ajaero recalled an 84-day strike involving health sector workers, which was eventually suspended following intervention by organised labour.
He lamented that more than a year after the intervention, the issues responsible for the industrial dispute had yet to be adequately resolved.
The NLC president also disclosed that workers under the National Public Service Negotiating Council had contemplated industrial action but were persuaded by labour leaders to suspend their plans.
He maintained that organised labour had consistently demonstrated restraint despite mounting pressure from workers demanding improved remuneration and working conditions.
Responding to allegations that politicians were influencing the labour movement, Ajaero dismissed the claims, insisting that demands for better salaries and improved living conditions were legitimate workers’ concerns.
“No politician can use us. That’s the greatest insult, to tell me at this age and time, you know, to say a politician is using you when you ask for increase of workers’ salaries,” he declared.
He urged government officials and the leadership of the wages commission to prioritise meaningful engagement with workers and address outstanding concerns before tensions escalate.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, called for a balanced approach to wage negotiations, emphasising the need to reconcile workers’ legitimate demands with the financial capacity of government.
Akume cautioned against avoidable industrial disputes, stressing the importance of constructive dialogue in addressing remuneration challenges.
The renewed disagreement places additional pressure on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to workers’ declining purchasing power while managing competing fiscal demands.
