Subsidy Removal, Naira Devaluation Have Killed Minimum Wage – Ajaero

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has charged workers to brace up for a new struggle for a new national minimum wage as the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) elects a new President today.

Ajaero gave the charge on Wednesday in Kano at the opening ceremony of the 7th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference (NDC) of AUPCTRE.

According to the NLC President, the current economic realities, exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira, have rendered the present wage structure a starvation wage, making a new minimum wage inevitable.

He said workers must be fully prepared for another major battle, stressing that the labour movement will no longer accept a mere adjustment that pays lip service to workers’ welfare.

“The adjustment must reflect the true cost of living and the dignity of labour, and AUPCTRE must be at the forefront of this struggle,” Ajaero declared.

The conference, holding in the ancient city of Kano, is expected to usher in a new leadership for the union as delegates elect a new President and other national executive officers today.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Kano is electric as comrades from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory converge for the historic conference.

Aluta News reports that the venue is agog with excitement, camaraderie and solidarity as delegates exchange pleasantries and reunite after years of collective struggle.

Accreditation of delegates has been successfully concluded and delegates are fully set to exercise their franchise.

Security is top-notch with adequate deployment to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free exercise. There is no tension whatsoever as delegates remain in high spirits and the mood is calm, orderly and celebratory.

The election is expected to commence in earnest as all is set for a successful transition.