NLC Insists on Strike Ultimatum as FG Cites Financial Constraints

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has maintained its two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding lower petrol prices and fresh minimum wage negotiations amid growing concerns over workers’ worsening economic conditions.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, restated the union’s position on Monday in Abuja, arguing that the current minimum wage of ₦70,000 has become insufficient to meet the basic needs of Nigerian workers.

He urged the government to take urgent steps to ease the hardship facing workers instead of waiting for protests or industrial action before responding to their demands.

Ajaero said rising transport fares, food prices and other living costs had continued to reduce workers’ purchasing power, making it increasingly difficult for many households to survive on their earnings.

NLC Questions Minimum Wage Implementation

The labour leader also faulted the implementation of the 2024 minimum wage agreement, disputing claims that federal workers received salary increases of up to 133 per cent.

According to him, the addition of ₦40,000 to workers’ salaries did not amount to the percentage increase being reported.

He maintained that the adjustment had failed to provide adequate relief, particularly as inflation and rising transportation costs continued to put pressure on household budgets.

Ajaero further expressed concern over unresolved labour disputes, including issues affecting health sector workers, despite earlier interventions by organised labour.

He also rejected allegations that the labour movement was being used by politicians, insisting that its demands were focused on improving workers’ welfare.

FG Calls for Balance Between Wages and Public Finances

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, urged the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to balance workers’ demands for better pay with the government’s financial capacity.

Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Abubakar Kana, said wage decisions must reflect economic realities while supporting national development.

He warned that avoidable disputes between the government and organised labour could undermine industrial harmony and economic stability.

The SGF also called for stronger policy coordination, digital reforms and improved implementation of decisions on workers’ salaries and allowances.

Wage Commission Seeks Sustainable Solutions

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Junaidu Bindawa, said the country needed a more strategic approach to wage administration in response to inflation, changing labour expectations and demands for improved public service delivery.

He stressed the importance of balancing workers’ welfare, productivity, social justice and the government’s ability to meet its financial obligations.

The commission’s retreat, themed Vision, Strategy and Institutional Renewal, was designed to develop practical measures for improving wage administration and strengthening the institution’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Abel Enitan, also highlighted the need to improve workers’ welfare, efficiency, integrity and productivity as part of broader public service reforms.

Labour-FG Tensions Remain a Concern

The NLC’s insistence on its ultimatum has heightened concerns over a possible confrontation between organised labour and the Federal Government.

The union is demanding a reduction in petrol prices, renewed negotiations on the national minimum wage and action on outstanding agreements affecting public sector workers.

The government, on the other hand, has emphasised the need to protect workers’ interests while ensuring that wage commitments remain financially sustainable.

The outcome of discussions between both sides could prove significant for millions of workers already struggling with the rising cost of living.