NLC Leader Joe Ajaero Explains Why ₦1 Million Minimum Wage Could Cripple Nigeria’s Economy

According to a report by The Daily Post on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has explained why introducing a ₦1 million minimum wage in Nigeria could lead to serious economic problems.

Ajaero made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, October 29, 2026, amid ongoing discussions about workers’ wages and the rising cost of living.

According to the labour leader, the major concern should not be limited to increasing workers’ salaries but should also include tackling the factors responsible for the high cost of goods and services across the country.

He stressed that the government needed to address the economic challenges affecting Nigerians and improve the purchasing power of the naira.

Ajaero stated that simply raising the minimum wage to ₦1 million without addressing these underlying problems could have damaging consequences for the Nigerian economy.

His comments come as Nigerian workers continue to face pressure from rising food prices, transportation costs and other essential expenses.

The NLC president maintained that improving workers’ living conditions requires measures that will make their earnings more valuable and enable them to afford basic necessities.

The debate over workers’ welfare has also gained attention following the Federal Government’s recent approval of a ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants for six months, beginning in November 2026.

The allowance is intended to cushion the impact of rising living costs, particularly the increasing cost of transportation and fuel.

However, the latest position expressed by Ajaero highlights the wider challenge facing the government and organised labour as they discuss possible changes to workers’ pay.

For many Nigerian workers, the central issue remains whether their earnings can keep pace with inflation and provide a reasonable standard of living.

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