Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has stated that the recent hike in the fuel price has made impracticable the new minimum wage of N70,000, describing the situation as pathetic.
Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the NLC, while speaking at the 2024 National Minimum Wage Implementation Workshop for South Zone, yesterday, said the hike in fuel price by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has worsened the misery of Nigerians.
The NLC President also lamented government’s failure to repair local refineries as promised, adding that what Nigerians witnessed in the last two weeks was a deliberate attempt to frustrate Dangote.
Ajaero, said the theme of the workshop, “Strategies for Effective Implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act,” is designed to equip the unions with the tools they need to make that fight successful.
He said: “Our goal is not just to celebrate the passage of the law but, to make sure every worker feels its impact in their daily lives.
“And that responsibility rests with each of you here. You are the vessels through which this victory will be delivered to our members. You must be strong, focused, and unwavering.
“Let me take a moment to remind us all: the strength of our movement lies not only in our resolve but in the integrity with which we conduct ourselves.
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“Our hands must remain unsullied, our hearts pure, so that when the enemies of our movement come—as they will; they will find nothing to use against us. Comrades, you have it firsthand”.
On his recent arrest by the security agency, he said: “Recently, I was arrested and detained by the state, a clear attempt to intimidate and silence our movement.
“They hoped to find wrongdoing, but we have kept faith alive. We must all do the same.
“On the 29thof August, we honoured the summons of the State to answer to some allegations and on the 25th of this month; we shall honour another one –this time at the Police Headquarters in Abuja.
“As we therefore, prepare for the struggles ahead, remember: they can imprison our bodies, but they cannot imprison our spirit.
“They can throw every obstacle on our path, but they cannot destroy our unity. We must be vigilant, united, and ready to stand firm in the face of whatever may come.
“Together, we will overcome. Together, we will deliver the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act to our members, no matter the challenges”, he said.
