Citing rising inflation and deteriorating hardship nationwide, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to review workers’ wages immediately in the new year.
NLC President Joe Ajaero stated in his New Year’s speech to employees that workers’ pay should be a livable wage rather than just enough to get by.
“In keeping with Mr. President’s pledge to pay living wages, we demand an urgent salary review given the rising inflation and hardship. A worker’s income should ensure life, not just survival. Ajaero declared, “We will pursue this with every legal means at our disposal.”
The labor leader noted that Nigerian workers faced a particularly challenging year in 2025 due to economic strain and growing risks.
“As we approach 2026, the Nigeria Labour Congress offers firm brotherly greetings and strong support to every citizen burdened by the load of our current socioeconomic system and every working hand. Without a doubt, the past year was difficult and revealed our weaknesses,” he said.
Ajaero claimed that organized labor was unwavering in its quest for social justice and fair income allocation in spite of the obstacles.
However, he continued, “they did little to divert our attention or resolve in our pursuit of national cohesion through equitable redistribution of wealth and social justice.”
Ajaero stated that the Federal Government, led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has promised more significant participation, therefore the new year is filled with cautious hope.
“We approach this new year with a stronger resolve, bolstered by struggle and clarity, rather than with naive hope.” He stated, “The President’s pledge to the Federal Government to engage more faithfully and meaningfully has opened a potential vista for dialogue.”
But he cautioned that the NLC would continue to be watchful and would not think twice about organizing employees to hold the government responsible.
“We have a clear responsibility to organize, mobilize, and hold all levels of government accountable,” Ajaero stated. Only governments and political players that exhibit a sincere willingness to help the masses out of poverty and oppression will have our cooperation and support.
Organized labor, according to the president of the NLC, will oppose political manipulation and reject politicians who profit from hollow promises and polarizing politics.
He declared, “We reject outright those mercantilistic politicians whose stock-in-trade is empty promises, divisive rhetoric, and policies that decimate our living standards for the benefit of a parasitic few.”
He went on to say that governments at all levels must continue to place a high premium on security, emphasizing that safety and peace are essential to maintaining national stability.
The president of the NLC stated: “We recognize recent achievements. We will keep pushing the government to build on its current achievements because everyone deserves to live in peace and security. The administration ought not to reflect on the past.
In closing, Ajaero urged workers to stick together in 2026, stating that solidarity is the most effective means of bringing about national change.
Thus, let’s proceed with greater unity, organization, and determination than in the past. “Our victory lies in our unity, and our strength remains in our numbers,” he declared.
