Godsent Ogbebor
NLC Says Nigerian Workers Struggle to Survive as Hardship Deepens
The Nigeria Labour Congress has warned that Nigerian workers are grappling with what it described as the most severe survival challenge in the country’s history, as rising inflation, insecurity and poor wages continue to erode living standards.
The union said workers are now worse off than their counterparts in several African countries, including conflict-hit nations, as daily earnings increasingly fail to meet basic needs. It noted that the present hardship has surpassed conditions experienced during the civil war and past austerity periods.
Speaking on the state of the economy, NLC President Joe Ajaero said financial insecurity has become a defining feature of life for workers, with incomes steadily declining despite longer working hours.
He attributed the situation to soaring inflation, stagnant wages and the weakening value of the naira, which has driven up the cost of food, fuel and essential services.
Ajaero said the national minimum wage of ₦70,000 is no longer sufficient, pointing out that the price of staple food items now exceeds the monthly earnings of many workers.
He added that food expenses consume a large share of household income, leaving little room for savings or future security.
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The labour leader also highlighted the impact of unemployment and under-employment, noting that job scarcity has pushed many Nigerians into low-paid and insecure work, while weak social safety nets have offered little relief.
He said many workers are forced to cover basic services such as electricity, healthcare and security from their own pockets due to failing public infrastructure.
According to the NLC, rising transport and housing costs, multiple taxes and deductions, and increasing utility tariffs have further reduced workers’ take-home pay.
The group warned that widespread insecurity across the country has worsened the situation by disrupting livelihoods and displacing families.
The congress urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to stabilise the economy, improve wages and strengthen social protection, warning that continued inaction could further undermine the welfare of workers and the nation’s economic future.
