The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has called on federal government to immediately pay workers a percentage of workers’ basic salaries to cushion the devastating impact of inflation and rising living costs on them.
Speaking at the Workers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square in Abuja, Ajaero insisted that the temporary wage support should take effect from July and remain in place until a new national minimum wage is enacted.
He regretted that Nigerian workers are facing a worsening survival crisis that requires urgent intervention.
Ajaero rallied workers to remain united and resolute, stressing that collective action is their strongest tool in pushing for meaningful change.
He emphasized that the future of Nigerian workers depends on their willingness to stand together and demand fairness.
The labour leader described this year’s May Day as a defining moment to push for a new deal for workers, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the principles of decent work, job creation, workers’ rights, social protection, and dialogue cannot thrive in an environment marked by hardship and insecurity.
Government efforts highlighted
Responding, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, defended the administration’s efforts, highlighting ongoing policies aimed at easing economic hardship.
He commended Nigerian workers for their resilience and contributions to national development.
Tinubu pointed to key government initiatives, including expanded social investment programmes and conditional cash transfers targeted at millions of vulnerable households.
He maintained that these interventions are designed not just as temporary relief, but as pathways to lifting Nigerians permanently out of poverty.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive growth.
He noted that tackling poverty and insecurity remains central to achieving decent work for all Nigerians.
This year’s May Day theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work Agenda,” underscored the urgency of the issues, reflecting the harsh realities confronting workers across the country.
