The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has steadfastly upheld its demand for a ₦250,000 minimum wage, rejecting the Federal Government’s offer of ₦62,000. NLC President Joe Ajaero reiterated this stance at an award ceremony in Kano, emphasizing the union’s dedication to Nigerian workers’ welfare.
Despite numerous meetings, no agreement has been reached, with both sides remaining firm. The wage impasse has persisted beyond the expiration of the current minimum wage in April 2024, intensifying tensions. Ajaero, through NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, cited the economic hardships and rising inflation severely impacting workers’ living standards as key reasons for the wage demand.
In response to the national wage discussions, Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam highlighted the state’s efforts to improve worker conditions, including ending arbitrary salary deductions, paying ₦11 billion in pension liabilities, and executing promotion exercises with full payment in the past seven months. The NLC remains committed to securing a realistic and sustainable wage for all Nigerian workers.