President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has shed light on the discussions held with President Bola Tinubu regarding the new national minimum wage and a proposed fuel price hike. Ajaero explained that during the meeting, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) rejected an offer to increase the petrol pump price in exchange for accepting ₦70,000 as the new minimum wage.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News’ Morning Show on Friday, Ajaero recounted how the organized labour had initially pushed for a ₦250,000 minimum wage but later accepted ₦70,000 after negotiations with the President. He also dismissed claims that the NLC had reached an agreement with Tinubu on raising fuel prices.
“While we were negotiating, we reached a stalemate at ₦62,000. Even the state governors said they wouldn’t pay, so we took the matter to President Tinubu,” Ajaero explained. “We insisted on ₦250,000, and at the meeting, the President turned to me and said, ‘Ajaero, you are the one holding me back from further increasing the fuel price.’”
Ajaero said Tinubu expressed his desire to raise the pump price to reflect the full removal of fuel subsidies. “The President suggested we, the labour leaders, should visit West African countries to compare their fuel prices, which were much higher than Nigeria’s. But we declined the offer immediately,” Ajaero added.
According to Ajaero, Tinubu then proposed a deal: If the NLC agreed to the fuel price increase, he would approve ₦250,000 as the minimum wage. Otherwise, they would have to settle for ₦62,000. However, the labour unions insisted that their discussions focus solely on the minimum wage, not fuel prices.
“We told the President we couldn’t decide in that meeting and needed a week to consult with our members. When we reconvened, we made it clear that we were not there to negotiate fuel price hikes. Our focus was on securing a fair minimum wage, and we eventually agreed on ₦70,000,” Ajaero stated.
Addressing the recent fuel price hike, Ajaero mentioned that the NLC would meet next week to discuss the issue and determine the next steps. He emphasized that any decision, including the possibility of a strike, would involve consultations with all the organs of the NLC.
“No single NLC President can unilaterally declare a strike. The decision must come from either the Central Working Committee (CWC) or the National Executive Council (NEC),” Ajaero explained. “By next week, we will meet to have a conversation about the fuel price increase, ensuring that the position of the members is respected.”
Ajaero’s remarks come amid rising concerns over the impact of fuel price increases on workers’ wages and the cost of living in Nigeria. The labour unions have maintained their commitment to negotiating fair compensation for workers while rejecting any unilateral decisions on fuel price hikes.
