NLC President Criticizes States for Inadequate Minimum Wage Implementation

Workers’ Earnings Eroded by Inflation and Taxation

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero has accused state governments of failing to properly implement the new N70,000 minimum wage, claiming some states only increased salaries by a meager N5,000 without meaningful adjustments.

Speaking at the 6th National Gender Conference organized by the NLC National Women’s Commission in Abuja, Ajaero expressed concern that workers’ earnings are being severely impacted by taxation and inflation, making the wage increase ineffective.

“This has exposed us to all sorts of danger,” Ajaero stated. “If you want to be a serious worker and go to work for 24 days or 20 days a month, the N70,000 will disappear. That’s a fact today.”

Governors’ Sincerity Questioned

The labor leader questioned the commitment of some governors to implement the N70,000 minimum wage agreed upon after strikes last year, emphasizing that the economic situation is becoming unbearable for workers nationwide.

“The issue of implementing a minimum wage is the worst crime I have ever seen,” Ajaero declared. “In some states, you just notice N5,000 added to your salary. So, what is the essence of consequential adjustment?”

Lack of Consultation with NLC

Ajaero also criticized the lack of proper consultation with the NLC regarding salary adjustments, stating: “At the level of consequential adjustment, the NLC was not contacted. So I wonder why workers should be short-changed — I do not understand.”

Gender-Based Workplace Issues Highlighted

During the conference, Salamatu Aliu, Chairperson of the NLC Women’s Commission, addressed ongoing challenges of gender-based discrimination and abuse in Nigerian workplaces.

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