The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has urged the National Assembly to end the practice of minimum “slave wage” for Nigerian workers.
Speaking on Monday during a national retreat on labor reforms in Abuja, Ajaero called for a collaborative effort with the tripartite committee to establish mechanisms for the regular and systematic review of wage levels.
Ajaero emphasized the need for the National Assembly to update labor laws to reflect the current economic realities and ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against unfair labor practices. He highlighted the importance of lawmakers working with the tripartite committee to ensure wage levels 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,” Ajaero stated. He added that the current dissatisfaction among the populace could be mitigated by ensuring reasonable income for Nigerian workers.
Ajaero also called on the National Assembly to focus on strengthening social security systems to provide a safety net during economic hardships, unemployment, or health emergencies. He stressed the importance of laws that encourage continuous investment in education and vocational training to equip the workforce with necessary skills for a dynamic job market.
The retreat was organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
