The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has insisted that its two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government remains in force, warning that the N70,000 national minimum wage is no longer sufficient to meet workers’ basic needs amid rising living costs.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, stated this on Monday in Abuja at a retreat organised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, where he urged the government to address workers’ hardship before it escalates into industrial action.
The NLC had given the Federal Government until late October to take steps to reduce petrol prices, begin negotiations for a new minimum wage and resolve outstanding agreements with workers. The ultimatum, which began on October 9, also includes demands for tax relief and wage awards.
Ajaero said rising transport and food costs had eroded workers’ purchasing power, leaving many struggling to afford basic necessities.
“The point we are making is not strike. The point we are making is that whether you enter bus or you buy fuel, you will not be able to eat,” he said.
He also disputed claims that the 2024 minimum wage agreement had delivered salary increases of about 133 percent to federal workers, arguing that the additional N40,000 paid to workers did not adequately address their financial difficulties.
The labour leader urged the government to introduce timely relief measures rather than wait for unions to organise protests or strikes. He maintained that the ultimatum was still in force and said the retreat was not the appropriate forum for negotiations.
However, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, called for a balance between workers’ demands for better pay and the government’s financial capacity.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the General Services Office, Dr Abubakar Kana, Akume warned against avoidable industrial disputes and called for wage policies based on reliable economic data, consultations and sustainable public spending.
He said ongoing economic reforms, rising public expectations and the 2027 general elections had made sustainable wage administration increasingly important.
The Chairman of the commission, Junaidu Bindawa, also called for reforms to improve salary administration, strengthen research and ensure that wage decisions reflected workers’ welfare, productivity and the government’s financial capacity.
The dispute highlights growing pressure on the Federal Government to provide relief to workers as organised labour pushes for lower petrol prices and fresh wage negotiations.
