The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has raised concern over the cost of living and widening gap between the rich and the poor in the country.
He lamented over the inability of some state governors to pay the ₦70,000 minimum wage amidst Nigeria’s harsh economic conditions.
Ajaero shared his concerns while speaking during the 2024 delegates’ conference of the NLC Youth Council in Abuja.
He said, “Comrades, let us speak plainly. 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 youth 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 Port Harcourt is above N50,000, decent housing has become a mirage, while basic healthcare is out of reach. Basic social services are becoming 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 highlighted the critical role of youths in shaping the future of the trade union movement and the nation.
He called on young people to embrace their responsibilities with resilience, courage, and vision, urging them not to shy away from challenges.
Ajaero announced plans to establish youth executive councils in every state council of the NLC to provide platforms for addressing youth-specific issues and encouraging deeper engagement in the trade union movement.
The conference’s theme, “Youth and the New World of Work: Imperative of a New Social Contract,” underscored the need for youths to redefine fairness and justice in a rapidly changing work environment.
Ajaero concluded by encouraging the youths to stay focused, committed, and united in their quest for a better tomorrow.