The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says Nigerian workers remain under severe economic pressure despite the increase in the national minimum wage to N70,000.

NLC President Joe Ajaero stated this on Monday in Abuja, insisting that the union’s two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government over rising petrol prices and renewed wage negotiations remains in force.

Ajaero urged the government to take urgent measures to ease the rising cost of living and declining purchasing power of workers, warning against waiting for strikes or protests before addressing their concerns.

He criticised the implementation of the 2024 minimum wage agreement and called for relief from rising petrol prices and fresh salary negotiations to improve workers’ welfare.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, called for a balance between workers’ demands for better pay and the government’s financial capacity, warning against unnecessary industrial disputes.

The disagreement highlights the challenge of addressing workers’ welfare while managing public finances amid ongoing economic reforms.