We Agreed to N70,000 Minimum Wage to Prevent Fuel Hike - Ajaero

Ajaero expressed concern over the recent hike in fuel prices, stating that it contradicted their agreement with the president.
NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero
NLC President, Mr Joe AjaeroThe Punch
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The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, recently discussed the negotiations surrounding the new minimum wage during an interview on Arise Television.

Ajaero revealed that prior to accepting the N70,000 minimum wage, organized labor had reached an understanding with President Bola Tinubu.

During discussions at the Presidential Villa, labor representatives initially rejected an offer to increase fuel prices in exchange for a higher wage.

Ajaero explained that the negotiations had reached an impasse at N62,000, with many states expressing their inability to pay even that amount.

At one point, President Tinubu suggested that if labor agreed to a fuel price hike, he would approve a minimum wage of N250,000. However, labor leaders insisted that their mandate was solely to discuss the minimum wage and not fuel prices.

After a week of consultations, labor representatives returned to clarify their position: they were focused exclusively on negotiating the minimum wage. Ultimately, they accepted the N70,000 offer as a compromise.

In a follow-up interview, Ajaero expressed concern over the recent hike in fuel prices, stating that it contradicted their agreement with the president.

He emphasized that the basis for accepting the N70,000 wage was contingent on no further increases in fuel prices. The current situation has exacerbated financial pressures on workers, as transportation costs have surged due to rising fuel prices.

Ajaero criticized the government's approach to these issues, arguing that any significant changes in pricing should involve consultations with social partners.

He explained the need for a collaborative governance approach that prioritizes workers' welfare and addresses rising living costs rather than imposing unilateral increases in tariffs and prices.

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