NLC Urges National Assembly to Regularly Review Wage Levels: End Wage Slavery, they Advocate.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has appealed to the National Assembly to work with the tripartite committee on the new minimum wage to establish mechanisms for the regular and systematic review of wage levels. This is to ensure wages keep pace with inflation and the cost of living.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this call on Monday during a goodwill message at a national retreat on “Labour Reforms and the Quest for a Living Wage in Nigeria: A Focus on Legislative Interventions” organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja.

Ajaero urged legislators to review and update labour laws to reflect today's economic realities and to protect citizens. He emphasized the need for fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against unfair labour practices.

He said, “This includes ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against unfair labour practices. We call on the National Assembly to join us in calling on the executive to transmit to the Assembly the bill on the reviewed labour administration laws which had gone through the tripartite process some years back but seemed to have been impounded by the executive. NASS should work with the tripartite to establish mechanisms for regular and systematic review of wage levels to ensure they keep pace with inflation and the cost of living. Workers are not beggars neither are they slaves. We create wealth and we deserve a healthy portion of it. The present angst in the country can only be assuaged by reasonable income to Nigerian people and workers.”

Ajaero also called on lawmakers to prioritize strengthening social security programs to ensure workers have a safety net in case of illness, unemployment, or financial difficulties.

He assigned the lawmakers the duty of figuring out how to pass legislation that would promote inclusive dialogue between the government, businesses, and labour unions to ensure that policies are just, equitable, and adequately address the concerns of all parties involved.

“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,” he added.