The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed frustration over the impact of rising petrol prices, stating that the recently proposed N70,000 minimum wage has been rendered ineffective. Speaking at an event in Lagos on Thursday, September 19, NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized that the benefits of the yet-to-be-implemented wage increase have been wiped out by the high cost of fuel.
Ajaero criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government, alleging that organized labour was deceived into accepting the N70,000 minimum wage to avoid an increase in petrol prices. He urged the government to urgently address the widespread hunger, poverty, and frustration in the country, noting that many Nigerians are suffering under current conditions.
“I repeat, we were betrayed by Mr. President. That statement we issued over our being betrayed is being denied by officials of the government. I am repeating it that we were betrayed,” Ajaero stated. He explained that the president had initially offered a N250,000 minimum wage on the condition that the fuel price would be increased, but labour declined, citing concerns for all Nigerians.
“We told him no because that would affect all Nigerians, and we would be seen as selfish. Even the N250,000 wouldn’t be useful to us. If we keep increasing salaries, it will damage our economy, leading to further pump price hikes. In fact, that N250,000 might not even be enough to buy fuel.”
Ajaero added that these considerations led to the acceptance of the N70,000 minimum wage, although some still find it insufficient. He also noted that many private sector employers resisted the wage increase during discussions, aligning themselves with state and federal governments against labour.
“This is the dilemma all of us are facing. In fact, the private sector employers in our meeting gave us a tough time. They refused to shift, and they wanted to vote with state government, federal government, and the private sector on one side, all against labour on the other side,” Ajaero said.
