The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the National Assembly to collaborate with the tripartite committee on the new minimum wage to establish mechanisms for the regular and systematic review of wage levels. This initiative aims to ensure wages keep pace with inflation and the cost of living.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this appeal in a goodwill message delivered at the national retreat on “Labour Reforms and the Quest for a Living Wage in Nigeria: A Focus on Legislative Interventions.” The event was organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja.
Ajaero urged lawmakers to update labour laws to reflect the current economic realities and to protect workers. He emphasized the need for fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against unfair labour practices. Ajaero also called on the National Assembly to urge the executive to transmit the bill on reviewed labour administration laws, which had previously gone through the tripartite process but had been stalled by the executive.
“NASS should work with the tripartite committee to establish mechanisms for the regular and systematic review of wage levels to ensure they keep pace with inflation and the cost of living,” Ajaero stated. “Workers are not beggars nor slaves. We create wealth and deserve a healthy portion of it. The present angst in the country can only be assuaged by reasonable income to Nigerian people and workers.”
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening social security systems to provide a safety net for workers during economic hardship, unemployment, or health emergencies. Ajaero called for laws that encourage effective social dialogue among the government, employers, and labour unions to ensure balanced and fair policies.
“The legislature should make laws that encourage continuous investment in education and vocational training to equip our workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic and evolving job market,” Ajaero added.
