NLC Embraces N70,000 Minimum Wage as Act of Solidarity

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced its acceptance of the proposed N70,000 minimum wage by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as an act of solidarity. This announcement came on Friday night following the National Executive Council meeting.

In a statement signed by NLC national president Joe Ajaero, the Congress emphasized its ongoing commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian workers. Ajaero stated, “NEC-in-session concluded that this decision, though challenging and far from our initial demand, was made in the spirit of solidarity and sacrifice for Nigerian masses to avert a threatened further hike in the price of petrol which would inflict more hardship on the already suffering masses.”

President Tinubu approved the N70,000 minimum wage on Thursday, as announced by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. This decision was made during a meeting with the leadership of the Organized Labour in Abuja, following an earlier meeting with Labour leaders the previous week.

The new minimum wage, once approved by the National Assembly, will replace the N30,000 minimum wage that expired on April 18, 2024. The NLC highlighted the importance of this wage adjustment in alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerian workers and urged unity among Nigerians to ensure leaders are held to the same standards of sacrifice and service.

The statement reiterated the NLC’s dedication to its mission: “Once again, NEC-in-session restates the commitment of the NLC to continue to stand resolutely in its mission to defend and advance the rights of Nigerian workers and Nigerian people at all times.”

In conclusion, the NLC called on all Nigerians to join in this cause, emphasizing the collective effort needed to ensure the well-being of the nation’s workforce.