RismadarVoice Reporters, April 28, 2026
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has said that a monthly salary of ₦1 million would hold little value for Nigerian workers in the absence of a stable naira and improved economic conditions.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja, Ajaero stressed that organised labour was more concerned with the purchasing power of wages than headline salary figures, warning that persistent inflation continues to erode workers’ incomes.
“Even if Nigerian workers earn ₦1 million, it will not be meaningful if the naira has no value,” he said. “What we are looking for is a currency that can sustain workers and their families at least to the end of the month.”
He noted that the rising cost of living driven by increases in food prices, transportation costs, and housing has made it increasingly difficult for workers to meet basic needs.
On the ongoing discourse surrounding a new national minimum wage, Ajaero clarified that no formal negotiations had commenced. He emphasised that wage review processes are guided by law and must follow established timelines rather than political considerations.
“The minimum wage has not been negotiated yet. It is a process that must follow the law,” he said. “When it is time, we will commence negotiation ahead of its expiration. It cannot be rushed because of election timelines.”
Ajaero added that the NLC would initiate discussions within the legally stipulated window before the expiration of the current wage structure.
The labour leader also called for urgent government intervention to mitigate the impact of inflation, noting that recent increases in fuel prices have compounded economic hardship across the country. According to him, the ripple effects have been felt in transport fares, food costs, and general living expenses.
“We raised concerns when global developments began to impact fuel prices locally, and we called for intervention. The situation has not improved, and the burden on workers continues to increase,” he said.
He further advocated for the development of a resilient national energy policy to shield the economy from external shocks.
“It is not ideal that events in other parts of the world automatically translate into hardship in Nigeria. We must build a system that protects our economy and citizens,” he added.
On pension administration, Ajaero raised concerns over the proliferation of pension unions, warning that the trend was creating confusion within the system. He disclosed that the congress had initiated engagements with relevant stakeholders to address the issue and ensure proper coordination, particularly regarding deductions and remittances.
“There are several pension groups now, and this is creating ambiguity. We are engaging them to understand what is at stake and find a common ground,” he said.
Looking ahead to Workers’ Day, Ajaero indicated that any protest actions would be limited to states that have yet to fully implement the approved minimum wage.
“Street protests, if any, will be in states that have not complied with the minimum wage implementation. It is not a general protest across the country,” he said.
While noting that most states have complied, he pointed to gaps in implementation, particularly at the local government level and within the education sector. He also cited issues around consequential salary adjustments, with some states paying only the minimum wage without restructuring other pay scales.
“These are technical issues that must be addressed. We will evaluate the level of compliance before May Day,” he said.
Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to advocating policies that enhance workers’ welfare and promote economic stability.
He also commended the Federal Government for reviewing peculiar allowances and approving a 100 per cent duty tour allowance for civil servants, expressing hope for effective implementation.
