The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday, said the congress struggled to get some state governors to pay the “paltry” sum of N70,000 as minimum wage despite the harsh economic situation in the country.
Ajaero who lamented the rising cost of food and other amenities in the country said the harsh realities in the country cannot be sugar-coated.
The NLC leaders said this during the 2024 delegates conference of the youth council of the NLC which was held in Abuja.
He said, “ The harsh realities of our country cannot be sugar-coated. We live in a nation where the rich grow fatter on the sweat of the poor, where our youths struggle to find meaningful work, and where the value of labour is often trampled underfoot.
“A bag of 50kg rice sells for N105,000, transport from Abuja to Portharcourt is above N50,000, decent housing has become a mirage while basic healthcare is out of reach as basic social services become elusive even as we have to struggle to get some governors to pay us a paltry N70,000 national minimum wage; the product of a law passed by the state?
“Anyway, this is not a time for lamentation; it is a time for determination. No one will build our nation for us.”
The NLC president stressed that the future of the trade union movement and the nation depends on the resilience, courage, and vision of youths.
He urged them to take ownership of their responsibilities and not shy away from challenges.
Ajaero also announced plans to establish youth executive councils in every state council of the NLC.
These councils will provide a platform for addressing youth-specific issues and deepening their participation in the trade union movement.
The conference theme, “Youth and the New World of Work: Imperative of a New Social Contract,” highlights the need for youths to redefine what fairness and justice mean in the rapidly changing world of work.
Ajaero concluded by charging youths to remain focused, committed, and united in their pursuit of a better tomorrow. He assured them that the NLC stands firmly behind them, ready to support, guide, and fight alongside them.
