News Investigators/ The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded an immediate reduction in petrol price, nationwide wage award and urgent negotiation of a new national minimum wage.
Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President made the demands in a message signed and issued to mark the Independence Day celebration on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to Mr Ajaero, sixty-six years after independence, Nigeria has become a nation whose governance decisions have been captured by neoliberalism, an ideology that does not serve workers or the masses.
He said the real value of workers’ wages had been eroded by inflation, while petrol prices had risen to N1,430 per litre or higher in major cities.
“Petrol now sells at N1,430 per litre or higher in major cities and far more in remote areas. The surge in transportation costs drives up prices of food, school fees and rent,” he said.
Mr Ajaero said government must immediately reduce petrol prices, describing transportation costs as a major driver of inflation.
He also demanded immediate implementation of a nationwide wage award for workers at the federal, state and local government levels, describing it as an emergency intervention against falling real incomes.
The NLC president further demanded implementation of tax relief agreed during the October 2023 dialogue between government and labour.
He urged government to establish a tripartite committee to negotiate and legislate a new minimum wage for 2027 before the end of the year, saying the current N70,000 wage had been eroded by inflation.
Ajaero also called for reduced cost of governance and greater transparency, saying government must lead by example when workers were being asked to tighten their belts.
He urged government to invest in roads and social infrastructure, improve public hospitals and schools, and create opportunities for young Nigerians to reduce desperation and irregular migration.
On insecurity, Ajaero said worsening violence had compounded Nigeria’s economic difficulties, adding that poverty, unemployment and inequality remained major drivers of instability.
As campaigns intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, he urged political actors to respect voters’ choices and avoid election manipulation, intimidation and divisive rhetoric.
He said the NLC would, at the appropriate time, use its Workers’ Charter to present its policy demands and position on candidates, while stressing workers’ right to independent political choices.
Ajaero said the NLC would continue to pursue decent wages, safe workplaces, accountability and improved living conditions for Nigerian workers.
“Hope belongs to those who organise, who struggle, and who choose their own destiny,” he said.
NAN