The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to review workers’ salaries immediately, citing rising inflation and increasing economic hardship across the country.
In his New Year message, NLC President Joe Ajaero stressed that workers’ earnings must reflect a living wage, ensuring dignity and not just survival.
“Given escalating inflation and widespread suffering, we demand an urgent wage review. A worker’s income must guarantee life, not mere survival, in line with the President’s promise to ensure living wages. We shall pursue this through every legitimate means at our disposal,” Ajaero stated.
Reflecting on 2025, the labour leader acknowledged that it was a particularly difficult year for Nigerian workers, marked by economic strain and deepening vulnerabilities.
“As we step into 2026, the Nigeria Labour Congress extends solidarity and fraternal greetings to every hardworking citizen bearing the burden of our current socioeconomic challenges. The past year exposed our vulnerabilities and presented numerous hardships,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Ajaero reaffirmed that organised labour remains steadfast in its pursuit of social justice and equitable wealth distribution.
“These difficulties have not weakened our resolve to strive for national cohesion, fairness, and justice in the redistribution of wealth,” he added.
The NLC president expressed cautious optimism for 2026, following assurances of more meaningful engagement from the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We enter this new year with strengthened resolve, fortified by struggle and clarity. Promises of more faithful and constructive engagement from the Federal Government open a potential pathway for dialogue,” he said.
However, he warned that the NLC will remain vigilant and ready to mobilise workers to hold government accountable.
“Our duty is clear: we must organise, mobilise, and ensure accountability at all levels of government. We will work with political actors who demonstrate genuine, actionable commitments to uplift the masses from poverty and oppression,” Ajaero emphasised.
He further condemned political manipulation and leaders whose governance is built on empty promises and divisive rhetoric.
“We reject politicians whose stock-in-trade is hollow promises, divisive policies, and initiatives that erode living standards for the benefit of a few at the expense of many,” he said.
Ajaero also stressed that security remains a top priority, noting that peace and safety are essential for national stability.
“We acknowledge recent successes, but the government must continue to prioritise peace and security, ensuring that citizens are safe wherever they live,” he added.
Concluding his address, the NLC president urged workers to maintain unity in 2026, describing solidarity as the nation’s strongest tool for transformation.
“Let us move forward more united, organised, and determined than ever. Our power lies in our numbers, and our victory comes from our solidarity,” he said.
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