Amid worsening economic conditions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has renewed its call for an immediate upward review of workers’ wages, warning that inflation and hardship have continued to erode the value of salaries nationwide.
In a New Year address to workers, NLC President Joe Ajaero said earnings must go beyond meeting basic survival needs and instead guarantee dignity and a decent standard of living. He insisted that the realities facing Nigerian workers demand urgent action from the Federal Government.
According to Ajaero, the steady rise in prices and widespread suffering make a wage adjustment unavoidable. He stressed that organised labour is prepared to deploy all lawful options available to ensure that workers receive compensation that reflects present economic realities and aligns with earlier assurances of a living wage.
Looking back at 2025, the labour leader described the year as exceptionally tough for workers, marked by deep economic strain and heightened vulnerability across households. He noted that many families struggled under the weight of rising costs and shrinking purchasing power.
Despite these difficulties, Ajaero maintained that organised labour has not lost focus. He reaffirmed the NLC’s long-standing commitment to social justice, fairness, and a more equitable distribution of national wealth, stating that hardship has only strengthened labour’s resolve.
Turning attention to the year ahead, the NLC president expressed guarded optimism for 2026, pointing to signals from the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suggesting a willingness to engage more meaningfully with labour unions. He said this could open the door to constructive dialogue if backed by concrete action.
However, Ajaero made it clear that labour would not relent in holding leaders accountable. He emphasised that the NLC remains ready to organise and mobilise workers to demand responsible governance and would support only those political actors who demonstrate sincere and practical efforts to lift citizens out of poverty.
He also criticised political leaders who rely on empty promises, divisive tactics, and policies that worsen living conditions for the majority while favouring a privileged few, saying such approaches have no place in a just society.
On national security, Ajaero underscored the importance of peace and safety, noting that economic recovery and social stability cannot thrive without adequate protection of lives and property. While acknowledging some progress, he urged authorities to sustain and intensify efforts to keep citizens safe across the country.
He concluded by calling on Nigerian workers to remain united in the new year, describing solidarity as labour’s greatest strength and the most powerful tool for driving lasting national transformation.
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