The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said that even if Nigerian workers earn as much as ₦1 million monthly, it will still not be enough if the country does not have a stable currency and a strong economy.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this known during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday.
He explained that workers are more worried about the real value of money rather than salary figures alone, noting that inflation has continued to reduce purchasing power across the country.
According to him, high salaries mean little if the naira continues to lose value. He said what workers truly need is a currency that can comfortably support their families throughout the month.
Ajaero added that the rising cost of living has made everyday survival difficult, especially with the increase in prices of food, transportation, and housing.
On the issue of minimum wage, he stated that discussions have not yet started, explaining that negotiations follow a legal process and specific timeline before any agreement can be reached.
He assured that labour unions will participate in talks when the proper time arrives, ahead of the expiry of the current wage arrangement.
The NLC president also called on the federal government to urgently tackle inflation and rising fuel costs, which he said are making life harder for workers nationwide.
He noted that fuel price increases have affected transport fares and food prices, adding to economic pressure on households.
Ajaero further said Nigeria needs stronger economic and energy systems that are not easily affected by global changes.
He said it should not be normal for events outside the country to automatically create hardship for Nigerians.
He also clarified that any planned Workers’ Day action would not affect the entire country, but only states that have failed to fully implement the approved minimum wage.