In response to the escalating cost of living, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is exploring the possibility of urging the federal government to conduct a fresh assessment of the national minimum wage. President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, highlighted this stance during the 8th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), held recently.
During his address, Ajaero emphasized the union’s commitment to ensuring the federal government adheres to its pledge to recommission the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, which have long remained non-operational. He voiced the urgent need for action, stressing that Nigeria’s economic stability hinges on the availability of domestically refined petroleum products and fair compensation for workers, whose wages have lost value amid inflationary pressures.
“As it is today, our choices are very limited. It is either we find a way to collectively overcome the forces that are bent on keeping us down as a people or we completely surrender to them while wringing our hands in hopelessness,” Ajaero declared. He underscored the role of the trade union movement in standing against neoliberal policies that often undermine the interests of Nigerian workers.
Highlighting the broader challenges faced by the labor force, Ajaero pointed to the global trend of neoliberal forces prioritizing profit over public welfare. “The forces of neoliberalism must be challenged, and the trade union movement remains the only viable force in Nigeria and in the world that can creatively engage it and mitigate its stranglehold on our nation,” he remarked, adding that unity and resilience among workers are essential in countering such influences.
Ajaero reiterated the NLC’s demand for a review of wages, noting that the rising cost of living has severely impacted the purchasing power of Nigerian workers. He called on the federal government to recommission the country's refineries to reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum. This, he explained, aligns with an agreement reached on October 5, 2023, emphasizing, “It is sad, but we cannot afford to keep our public refineries shut while still importing refined petroleum products.”
Turning his attention to the newly elected leaders within the healthcare sector, Ajaero urged them to prioritize the welfare of their members. “True leadership transcends titles and positions; it is reflected in the impact you have on the lives of those you serve,” he advised, stressing the importance of advocating for fair working conditions and healthcare equity.
With the NLC’s firm stance on these critical issues, Ajaero’s words echo the broader call for systemic reforms that prioritize the well-being of Nigerian workers and underscore the union’s unwavering resolve in the face of rising economic challenges.
Tags
News