The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has criticized the Federal Government’s recently announced 25% to 35% salary increase for civil servants, labelling it as “mischievous.”
Ajaero voiced his concerns during an interview on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily” while commemorating the 2024 Workers’ Day celebrations.
He emphasized the lack of actual wage increment in the government’s announcement, stating, “The announcement appears mischievwell-beings there is no wage increment that the government is announcing.”
Expressing his discontent with the timing of the announcement, Ajaero highlighted the expiration of the previous minimum wage agreement and questioned the motive behind the government’s decision to announce the increase at this juncture.
He remarked, “For them to announce it now, it is an issue that we are worried about at the NLC and even at the TUC.”
The salary increase, effective from January 1, 2024, according to Emmanuel Njoku, a spokesperson from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), has drawn criticism from Ajaero, who expressed frustration over the delayed discussions for a new minimum wage. He lamented the government’s failure to reconvene discussions following the adjournment of meetings.
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Highlighting the need for a living wage to ensure the basic well-being of civil servants, Ajaero proposed a minimum wage of N615,000. He emphasised the importance of salaries in addressing the financial challenges the Nigerian workers faced.
Ajaero outlined various monthly allocations to support his proposal to include housing – N40,000; electricity, N20,000; utilities, N10,000; kerosene and gas – N25,000 to N35,000; food for a family of six – N270,000; medical expenses – N50,000; clothing – N20,000; education – N50,000, and sanitation – N10,000, and transportation costs for N110, 000.
He urged further scrutiny of the proposed breakdown, calling for an investigation into its feasibility and potential savings. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the proposed wage adequately addresses the needs of workers, rather than exacerbating their financial burdens.
The Federal Government’s salary increase affects various salary structures, including the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), among others. However, Ajaero’s critique underscores the need for comprehensive and inclusive measures to address the welfare of civil servants and promote economic stability.