Nigerian labour unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu's economic policies, claiming workers are facing unprecedented hardship. This criticism was voiced during May Day celebrations on Wednesday.
The unions are pushing for a revised national minimum wage, arguing that the current ₦70,000 is insufficient to cover basic needs due to rising inflation, new taxes, and tariff increases.
Julius Laye, TUC chairman in Bayelsa State, attributed the severe hardship to Tinubu's removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, which triggered significant economic challenges. He highlighted the unaffordability of essential services like healthcare for most workers.
"We are worse off in this administration than we had ever been at any other time,"
Laye stated, emphasizing the urgent need for a realistic wage benchmark to ensure workers' survival and dignity.
