•Nigeria Labour Congress
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged workers to prepare for another major confrontation with the federal government over wages and welfare as economic hardship continues to bite across the country.
President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, gave the indication yesterday in Abuja during the unveiling of the roadmap for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), where labour leaders, government officials and media stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of workers in Nigeria’s media and creative sectors, reports The Nation.
The labour leader said worsening inflation, rising living costs and the impact of government economic reforms had pushed many Nigerian workers to the edge, insisting that Organised Labour would continue to fight for a “living wage” for workers.
“Our struggle does not pause for ceremonies. Even as we celebrate this golden jubilee and roadmap, the battle for economic survival rages on,” Ajaero declared.
He added: “The present economic hardship imposed by the policies of the government and global conditions are suffocating the union’s members and the Nigerian people.”
He urged RATTAWU leaders not to lose sight of the core values of the trade union movement or become distracted by political influence and privileges associated with office.
“The only compass that should guide this union is the desire and interest of your members: the performers, the technicians, the artists, the secretaries,” he said.
“All those who labour in the vineyard of information and culture seek the original traditions of the trade union movement — robustness, solidarity, and service to the working class,” the NLC president added.
Ajaero’s comments come amid mounting concerns over the purchasing power of Nigerian workers despite the implementation of the new N70,000 national minimum wage approved in 2024.
The current wage regime emerged after months of negotiations between organised labour and the federal government following the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira, policies that triggered sharp increases in transportation costs, food prices and inflation.
At the height of the negotiations, labour unions demanded N250,000 as the new minimum wage, arguing that workers could no longer survive on existing salaries due to soaring inflation and the rising cost of living.
The federal government initially proposed N48,000 before increasing its offer to N62,000 after pressure from labour unions and nationwide protests.
President Bola Tinubu eventually approved N70,000 as a compromise figure and also shortened the minimum wage review cycle from five years to three years.
However, labour leaders have repeatedly argued that inflation has already eroded much of the value of the new wage.
Signalling that another negotiation process could soon begin, Ajaero said Organised Labour was preparing for another battle over workers’ welfare.
Ajaero stated: “We must remind you that a living wage is possible, but we are the ones to make it happen in Nigeria.
“As we prepare to negotiate the new National Minimum Wage, I call on every member to guard their lines and clench their fists. This will be a fierce battle, but with our determination and your resolve, we will emerge victorious.”
Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described RATTAWU as a critical institution in Nigeria’s media and cultural ecosystem and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting organisations that contribute positively to national development.
Speaking at the event, the minister said the union’s 50th anniversary represented a significant national milestone celebrating the contributions of media professionals, artists, broadcasters and cultural workers to democracy and nation-building.
According to Idris, responsible communication and ethical journalism remain essential to preserving national unity and democratic stability.
“Responsible communication is critical to preserving national unity, strengthening democracy, promoting peaceful coexistence, and combating the growing challenge of misinformation and fake news,” the minister said.
He stressed that while freedom of expression remains fundamental in a democratic society, media practitioners must exercise such freedoms responsibly.
“Freedom of speech must always go hand in hand with responsibility. We must continue to reject misinformation, fake news, divisive narratives, and irresponsible use of media platforms, while protecting the constitutional rights of Nigerians to lawful expression and constructive criticism,” he added.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s democratic development had been strengthened over the years by the contributions of journalists, broadcasters, performers and communicators who used their platforms to promote accountability, public enlightenment and national cohesion.
He also highlighted the role of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), describing it as an important institution established to address the growing dangers of fake news, disinformation and digital manipulation.
Idris said: “At a time when the world is confronted with fake news, disinformation, digital manipulation, and information disorder, institutions such as IMILI have become increasingly vital.
“A media-literate society is a stronger society. An informed citizenry is the foundation of democracy, and a responsible media ecosystem is essential for national development.”
The minister assured stakeholders that the Tinubu administration would continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting ethical journalism, media literacy and professional development in the media and creative sectors.
“The future of Nigeria’s information and creative economy cannot be discussed without RATTAWU. You are the bridge between government and the people, the custodians of our cultural memory, and the amplifiers of the Nigerian story,” he said.
In his welcome address, RATTAWU President, Emeka Kalu, thanked the minister, labour leaders and other guests for supporting the union and participating in the unveiling ceremony.
Kalu reiterated the union’s commitment to protecting the welfare of media and creative workers across the country while promoting professionalism and solidarity within the industry.
He said RATTAWU would continue to advocate policies and programmes that improve the working conditions of professionals in the media, theatre and arts sectors.
