By Ogbitse Meyiwa
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly rejected proposed wage increases of ₦62,000 and ₦100,000, describing them as “starvation wages.” Chris Onyeka, an Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, made the union’s stance clear in a statement, hinting at the possibility of resuming strike action on Tuesday.
“Our position is very clear,” Onyeka stated. “We have never considered accepting ₦62,000 or any other wage that we know is below what can sustain Nigerian workers. We will not negotiate a starvation wage.”
Onyeka emphasized that the NLC has not even contemplated ₦100,000, let alone ₦62,000. “We are still at ₦250,000. That is where we stand, and we consider it a significant concession to the government and other social partners in this situation. Our demands are based on the harsh realities of the marketplace, reflecting the prices of essential goods such as rice, yam, and garri.”
The NLC’s firm stance signals growing tension between the union and the government, with the potential for renewed strike action if a satisfactory agreement is not reached.