April 29, 2026 | SUNTV Global News
The President of the , , has ruled out a nationwide protest ahead of the upcoming , even as he raised fresh concerns over worsening economic hardship in Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview in Abuja, Ajaero clarified that any planned demonstrations on May 1 would be limited to states that have failed to implement the approved minimum wage, rather than a coordinated nationwide action.
Despite growing public frustration, the labour leader stressed that organised labour is prioritising economic stability over mass protests at this time.
Ajaero delivered a stark warning about the declining value of earnings in the country, noting that even a monthly salary of ₦1 million would offer little relief if inflation and currency depreciation persist.
“Even if Nigerian workers earn ₦1 million, it will not be meaningful if the naira continues to lose value,” he said. “What workers need is a stable economy where their income can sustain them throughout the month.”
He emphasised that the real issue is not just salary figures, but the purchasing power of workers, which has been severely weakened by rising inflation. According to him, many Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing.
On the issue of minimum wage review, Ajaero dismissed speculation about ongoing negotiations, stating that the process has not yet begun and must follow due legal procedures.
“The minimum wage has not been negotiated. It is a structured process guided by law and timelines—not politics or elections,” he said.
The NLC president also called on the administration of to urgently address the economic pressures facing citizens, particularly the impact of rising fuel prices, which he said has further intensified the burden on workers.
He reiterated that labour unions had earlier warned about the ripple effects of global economic shifts on local fuel costs, urging timely government intervention.
As Nigeria marks Workers’ Day, Ajaero maintained that any protest action would be strategic and targeted—focused only on states failing to comply with wage implementation—rather than a blanket nationwide shutdown.
SUNTV Global reports that while labour tensions remain, the immediate threat of a countrywide protest has been temporarily averted, even as economic concerns continue to dominate public discourse.
