Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero declares Nigerian workers face survival challenges worse than during the civil war, as government policies drive unprecedented hardship.
Ajaero forcefully condemns the federal government’s handling of the economy.
He asserts that workers now confront the most severe survival crisis in the nation’s history, surpassing even the Boko Haram insurgency and civil war eras.
Ajaero highlights relentless inflation exceeding 30%, sharp naira depreciation, and a ₦70,000 minimum wage that fails to buy even a bag of rice.
He blames subsidy removals and other reforms for pushing families to the brink.
First, inflation remains stubbornly high despite recent rebasing of statistics.
Yet, food prices devour up to 80% of household incomes, leaving little for essentials like healthcare or education.
Additionally, millions slip deeper into poverty.
The UN projects 33.1 million Nigerians will face acute food insecurity in 2025, with 1.8 million children at risk of severe malnutrition.
Economic shocks compound ongoing conflict and climate crises.Moreover, minimum wage implementation drags across states.
Many workers still await the ₦70,000 payout months after approval, while private sector compliance lags.
A few states offer slight increases, but these fall far short nationwide.
Ajaero demands urgent stabilization measures.
However, government delays exacerbate insecurity, displacement, and eroded purchasing power.
Workers and unions call for immediate action as humanitarian needs soar and hope fades for millions.
