During an interview on Channels Television, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, asserted that the living wage for workers should be set at N615,000. Ajaero’s statement came in response to reports GOVIMA that the Federal Government had approved a salary increase ranging from 25% to 35% for civil servants across various salary structures.
Expressing skepticism about the timing of the government’s announcement, Ajaero criticized the 35% pay rise for federal government civil servants, labeling it as mischievous.
He highlighted that the previous minimum wage of N30,000 had expired on April 18, stressing the urgency for concluding discussions on a new minimum wage.
Ajaero disclosed that Organised Labour had reached a consensus on N615,000 as the ideal living wage for civil servants.
This amount was calculated based on various factors including food expenses for a family of six, medical costs, education, clothing, sanitation, and transportation, which totaled N615,000.
He urged further scrutiny of the proposed living wage, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring adequate compensation for workers amidst rising living expenses.
Ajaero’s remarks underscored the ongoing dialogue between labour unions and the government regarding fair wages and improved working conditions for Nigerian workers.
