As Nigerian workers prepare to join global counterparts in marking International Workers’ Day on May 1, 2025, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a passionate call to the Federal Government, demanding urgent reforms to address the worsening economic conditions, inadequate wages, and systemic challenges facing workers.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero outlined a comprehensive list of grievances, accusing the government of failing to deliver on promises and exacerbating workers’ hardships through policies like fuel subsidy removal and Naira devaluation.
Ajaero described the Nigerian economy as “hostile to workers,” citing the removal of fuel subsidies, Naira devaluation, and soaring inflation as key drivers of poverty. “These policies have pushed workers and their families to the brink,” he said, noting that the value of wages has been eroded, leaving many unable to afford basic needs like food, rent, education, and transportation. He highlighted the dire mood among workers, stating, “Hunger! We are hungry. The minimum wage cannot buy a bag of rice.”
The NLC reiterated its demand for a N70,000 minimum wage, describing it as the “barest minimum” acceptable given the skyrocketing cost of living. While acknowledging that even this amount is insufficient, Ajaero proposed it as a starting point for negotiations, with periodic adjustments to match inflation and market realities. “We are not asking for luxury. We demand a wage that allows workers to live a dignified life,” he emphasized.
Ajaero criticized the Federal Government for failing to implement promised palliatives to cushion the impact of subsidy removal. He pointed to the delayed rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, intended to provide affordable transportation alternatives, as a glaring example. “They promised us CNG buses. Where are they? Many states have not implemented wage awards. Promises made last year remain on paper,” he said.
He urged the government to accelerate energy and transportation reforms to reduce the financial burden on workers, many of whom spend a significant portion of their income on commuting. Ajaero also called for effective implementation of initiatives like the N70,000 minimum wage, CNG transport system, and student loan scheme, suggesting that tangible progress in these areas could validate the government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
The NLC president raised concerns about inconsistencies in salary payments and wage award implementation across states and federal agencies. He noted that many state governments have either failed to adopt the approved minimum wage or are paying below the agreed amount, violating labour agreements. Ajaero called for immediate harmonization of federal and state public service salary structures, including a review of salary step progression and grade levels to ensure equity.
Ajaero advocated for a reform of Nigeria’s tax regime, which he described as unfairly burdening low-income earners while allowing multinational corporations and political elites to evade taxes. “It is only in Nigeria that someone earning N50,000 a month is taxed heavily while billionaires pay little,” he said, urging a fairer system to support workers.
He also decried the decay in the health and education sectors, noting that many workers can no longer afford quality healthcare or education for their children. Ajaero challenged the government to prioritize social services in its spending plans and eliminate wasteful expenditure to improve workers’ welfare.
The NLC expressed alarm over rising insecurity, which threatens workers’ safety and productivity, particularly in rural areas and high-risk professions. Ajaero called for urgent measures to address banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges disrupting economic activities.
On internal labour issues, Ajaero condemned political interference in union activities, particularly in Rivers and Edo states. He accused state governors of undermining trade union autonomy, disrupting meetings, and promoting parallel union leadership to sow division. “In Rivers, retirees are unpaid, and workers’ rights are trampled. In Edo, we face a leadership crisis instigated by the state,” he alleged. The NLC announced that May Day celebrations would not hold in these states as a protest against these violations.
Ajaero urged the Federal Government to hold erring state governors accountable and protect workers’ constitutional rights to prevent further escalation. He emphasized the NLC’s commitment to advocating for workers’ dignity, warning that the union would mobilize stakeholders if demands are ignored.
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