The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has called for effective implementation of the minimum wage to ensure that Nigerian workers can afford basic necessities and maintain a decent standard of living.
Ajaero made the call while delivering his opening remarks at the launch of an investigative research report on minimum wage and pension payment compliance in Nigeria at Rockview Hotel, Abuja.
Speaking under the message, “Minimum Wage Now… With Value!”, the labour leader stressed the need to move beyond the mere announcement of minimum wage to ensuring that workers derive meaningful economic benefits from their earnings.
He said minimum wage compliance should be accompanied by timely salary payments, respect for workers’ rights and effective enforcement across all tiers of government and the private sector.
The NLC also emphasised the need for prompt and full payment of pensions to retirees who had contributed their services to national development.
The call comes amid rising living costs that continue to put pressure on workers and pensioners, making it increasingly difficult for many to meet their basic needs.
According to the position outlined by the labour movement, wages must retain sufficient purchasing power to support workers and their families, while retirees should receive their entitlements without unnecessary delays.
The NLC maintained that implementing a minimum wage without ensuring its real value would fall short of addressing workers’ welfare concerns.
It called for compliance with existing wage and pension obligations, stressing that workers deserve fair remuneration and pensioners should enjoy dignity and financial security after retirement.
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