In a scathing rebuke of the recent salary adjustments for civil servants announced by the Federal Government, Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has characterized the move as “mischievous”. Ajaero expressed his concerns during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Wednesday, coinciding with the global observance of Workers’ Day in 2024.
Ajaero’s criticism centers on the timing and substance of the government’s announcement, particularly as it coincides with the expiration of the previous minimum wage on April 18. He pointed out that discussions regarding a new minimum wage were supposed to have been concluded by now, especially considering that the Federal Government had previously initiated legislative measures through the National Assembly.
Despite the establishment of a Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage in January, tasked with recommending a new minimum wage, Ajaero highlighted the government’s failure to implement the committee’s recommendations. He lamented the inadequacy of the current minimum wage of ₦30,000, emphasizing that it no longer suffices to meet the basic needs of Nigerian workers, especially in light of inflation and economic challenges.
Ajaero underscored the Organised Labour’s consensus on a living wage of ₦615,000 for civil servants, explaining that this figure is essential for ensuring the basic well-being of workers and their families. He provided a breakdown of the components comprising this living wage, including housing, utilities, food, healthcare, education, and transportation, urging further scrutiny of the proposed amount.
As the debate over fair wages and worker welfare intensifies, Ajaero’s remarks reflect a broader concern within the labor movement regarding the necessity for meaningful reforms to address the financial plight of Nigerian workers.
