The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged both federal and state governments to promptly introduce Wage Awards and a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to help alleviate the burden of rising living costs on workers.
In light of the expected N30 trillion oil windfall from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, NLC cautioned against a repeat of the unaccounted Gulf Oil windfall, emphasizing the need for transparency in its management.
Due to soaring prices of Premium Motor Spirit, attributed to the United States and Israeli actions against Iran, the NLC expressed concern that millions of Nigerian workers are unintentionally shouldering the adverse effects of a global economic crisis.
According to a statement from NLC President Joe Ajaero, petrol prices in Nigeria have escalated dramatically, now ranging from N1,170 to N1,300 per litre.
The rising costs of fuel and diesel have turned transportation into a heavy burden for workers, while food inflation continues to rise sharply, eroding already meager wages.
The NLC lamented that present wages have deteriorated to mere survival stipends, stating, "The Nigeria Labour Congress demands immediate Wage Awards and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for every worker to offset the effects of the high living costs."
The organization proposed an expansion and thorough reform of cash transfer programs to guarantee their effectiveness and ensure that they benefit the most vulnerable populations, while also increasing their value in line with inflation levels.
Additionally, NLC called for immediate tax relief measures for workers, including the cessation of all regressive taxes on low-income earners, particularly concerning the proposed taxation of the informal sector.
The labor group argued that taxing the minimum wage constitutes an act of extortion.
They urged the federal government to establish a clear timeline for the full operation of public refineries and issued a warning about the risks of undermining these refineries to create a monopoly.
The NLC asserted that no nation can achieve economic sovereignty through job exportation and price imports, emphasizing that when workers are unable to afford their daily commutes, the entire economy is disrupted. They warned that families struggling to afford basic meals pose a significant threat to societal stability.
The statement concluded, "The government cannot dismiss actions that could provide relief. It is the state's responsibility to act towards alleviating the suffering of its citizens rather than standing by helplessly and citing the Middle East conflict as an excuse."
As for the anticipated oil income from the Middle East crisis, the NLC insisted that these funds should be invested in the Nigerian populace. The Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) has projected that the country could secure approximately N30 trillion from this oil windfall.
The NLC expressed that the government must be accountable for the substantial amounts spent on refinery maintenance, stressing that Nigerian workers are experiencing severe hardship.
"We are not just numbers; we are the backbone of this nation. When we are faltering, the whole nation suffers. The anticipated N30 trillion from the current Middle East crisis shouldn't vanish like the previous Gulf oil gains but rather be used to alleviate the burdens faced by Nigerians, ensuring that it benefits the populace directly. The government needs to engage in genuine dialogue with Nigerian workers and the broader community."
They firmly stated, "Using the situation in the Middle East to justify further impoverishment of Nigerians is unacceptable. It is the government's foremost duty to guarantee the safety and welfare of its citizens. We demand action. We demand justice. We demand our survival."
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