The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticised some state governors for refusing to implement the new national minimum wage of N70,000 and the agreed consequential adjustments.
NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, raised these concerns on Tuesday in Abuja at the 6th National Gender Conference of the NLC National Women Commission, with the theme: “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality: Imperative for a new NLC Gender Policy.”
Ajaero said many workers were worse off despite the announcement of a new wage. He noted that taxes, inflation, and high electricity tariffs had wiped out the value of the N70,000 wage, leaving workers with less money than before.
“If you work every day of the month, that N70,000 will disappear. Transport, school fees, and rising inflation are taking everything. Even electricity bills alone can swallow it,” Ajaero said.
He criticised some state governments for only adding about N5,000 to workers’ salaries without proper consultation with the NLC or consideration for the real cost of living. “That’s not a real adjustment. It’s the worst kind of injustice to workers,” he said.
Ajaero also noted that federal civil servants were quietly complaining about being short-changed, but many had yet to formally raise their concerns with the NLC.
On gender issues, Mrs. Salamatu Aliu, Chairperson of the NLC’s Women’s Commission, said Nigerian women continue to face discrimination, harassment, and poor representation in workplaces and leadership roles. Represented by her deputy, Mrs. Deborah Yusuf, she said the NLC is actively reviewing its Gender Policy to push for more equality and inclusion.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Vanessa Phala, Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), assured the ILO’s support for gender equality and better protection of workers’ rights in Nigeria. She was represented by Mrs. Chinyere Emeka-Anuna.
The NLC said it would continue to push for fair wages and equal treatment for all Nigerian workers, especially women, as part of its broader fight for justice and equality in the workplace.
