The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, articulated his concerns on Tuesday regarding the challenges encountered in persuading state governors to disburse the “meager” N70,000 minimum wage amidst the challenging economic climate in Nigeria.
During his address at the 2024 delegates’ conference of the NLC Youth Council held in Abuja, Ajaero expressed his apprehension about the escalating cost of living and the increasing disparity between the affluent and the impoverished segments of society.
“Comrades, let us speak plainly. The harsh realities of our country cannot be sugar-coated. We live in a nation where the rich grow fatter on the sweat of the poor, where our youth struggle to find meaningful work, and where the value of labour is often trampled underfoot.
“A bag of 50kg rice sells for N105,000, transport from Abuja to Port Harcourt is above N50,000, decent housing has become a mirage, while basic healthcare is out of reach. Basic social services are becoming elusive even as we have to struggle to get some governors to pay us a paltry N70,000 National Minimum Wage—the product of a law passed by the state.”
Anyway, this is not a time for lamentation; it is a time for determination. No one will build our nation for us.”
The NLC president emphasized the pivotal role that youth play in influencing the future trajectory of both the trade union movement and the nation as a whole.
He urged young individuals to embrace their duties with tenacity, bravery, and foresight, encouraging them to confront challenges head-on rather than retreating.
Ajaero revealed initiatives to create youth executive councils within each state council of the NLC, aimed at providing avenues for addressing issues pertinent to youth and fostering greater involvement in the trade union movement.
The theme of the conference, “Youth and the New World of Work: Imperative of a New Social Contract,” highlighted the necessity for young people to reimagine concepts of equity and justice within a swiftly evolving labor landscape.
Ajaero concluded by motivating the youth to remain focused, dedicated, and united in their pursuit of a brighter future.
He assured them of the steadfast support of the NLC, committing to stand resolutely beside them to offer guidance, assistance, and to advocate alongside them.
