The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajero, has announced that the Union is preparing to engage in discussions with both the Federal and State Governments regarding an upward review of workers’ salaries nationwide.
Ajero made this statement at a Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, explaining that this initiative has become necessary due to the expiration of the current minimum wage of 70,000 naira last July. He emphasized that this amount is a minimum wage, not a living wage.
Represented by the Deputy President, Audu Titus Amba, Ajero stated that any minimum wage below 500,000 naira would not suffice to meet the needs of workers, given the current socioeconomic hardships faced by civil servants in the country.
The President clarified that the NLC is not in confrontation with the executive branch of government but is instead advocating for workers’ rights and addressing the rising cost of living. He expressed hope that their requests would be taken into consideration.
Also addressing the summit, Governor Nasir Idris reminded attendees that he was the first leader in the country to implement a minimum wage of 75,000 naira. He assured Kebbi State workers that he would support the implementation of the next minimum wage as soon as the Federal Government approves it.
Furthermore, he stressed that he would advocate for this issue at the Governors’ Forum whenever it arises for discussion, highlighting the crucial role of civil servants in nation-building, which he believes deserves commendation and just compensation.
Other speakers at the summit took note of Governor Idris efforts in the areas of educational growth, agricultural and infrastructural development as well surmounting security challenges besides peace and harmony in the state.