The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s approach to addressing food insecurity in Nigeria, labeling it as insulting to the populace.
Recently, President Tinubu authorized the release of 102,000 metric tonnes of rice, maize, millet, and garri from government reserves and rice millers’ stores to alleviate food scarcity.
In an interview with ARISE News, Comrade Ajaero expressed dismay over the government’s reliance on providing grains as a solution to hunger and poverty, likening it to feeding birds rather than addressing the fundamental issues. He emphasized the need for more substantial measures to tackle food insecurity in the country.
Additionally, Comrade Ajaero raised concerns about the Federal Executive Council meetings, highlighting a perceived shift towards prioritizing procurement over policy discussions. He urged for greater transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.
Regarding the upcoming minimum wage review, Comrade Ajaero hinted at the possibility of an increased demand for a higher minimum wage due to the continuous depreciation of the Naira and soaring inflation rates. He suggested that a one-million-naira minimum wage might be necessary to keep up with the rising cost of living, emphasizing the importance of aligning wage demands with the cost-of-living index.
