Following the harsh economic situation which has decimated the real wages of workers, the chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), in Abia State, have appealed to the government for a upward review of the present wage to reflect current realities.
Speaking with Journalists at the Umuahia Township Stadium, shortly after the 2026 Workers’ Day Celebration, the Abia NLC chairman, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, said the present economic situation, with its attendant effects, has eroded the #70,000 minimum wage.
Ogbonnaya said the minimum wage has been rendered meaningless by galloping inflation that has stripped the naira of its value and turned hard earned wages into near worthless paper.
According to him, as at the time the wage was implemented between 2023 and 2024, a liter of fuel was around #800 as against the current price of #1400 per liter which is almost double of what they were selling before.
He said Nigerian’s inflation rate has continued to ravage the purchasing power of workers, as food inflation has been particularly brutal, pushing millions of working families into hunger and desperation.
Ogbonnaya revealed that the agreement between the federal government and the organized labour is that after three years, the minimum wage would be reviewed, appealing to the Abia State Governor for the review of the minimum wage just like Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu states have done, so as to ameliorate the untold hardship workers are passing through.
Delivering his speech at the event, Comrade Ogbonnaya said the plague of insecurity and poverty scourge have remained a threat to decent work in Nigeria.
Speaking on the 2026 theme entitled, “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work”, the Abia NLC chairman disclosed that Nigerian workers are under siege of a twin monster- insecurity and poverty, which he said have grown fat on our neglect. According to him, these two forces have become the greatest obstacles to decent work in Nigeria.
On security, Comrade Ogbonnaya disclosed that work requires safety, as a farmer who fears the attack of bandits cannot plant, likewise a school teacher who fears her school could be bombed cannot teach. In Abia, and entire South East region, Ogbonnaya noted that the people have suffered immensely from insecurity, ranging from the sit-at-home phenomenon that gripped the region making it lose billions in economic activities, depriving workers income and chasing away investors.
He called on the Federal, State governments, as well as, security agencies to take decisive and comprehensive action to restore peace and security across the nation.
The NLC chairman equally frowned at the growing level of poverty, according to him, majority of workers live below the poverty line and cannot afford three square meals. He said the May Day cannot receive good cheer when pension arrears run into billions, adding that the working poor are the fastest growing demographic in the nation.
He, however, commended the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for implementing work friendly policies including the payment of the new minimum wage and periodic engagement with Labour unions, but pleaded that the welfare of workers become top priority and not an afterthought.
The union equally appreciated the Governor for the payment of outstanding arrears of salaries owed to workers by past administrations, approval and release of #10b for the payment of pension arrears, employment of over 10,000 teachers to boost educational standards in the state.
He also commended the Governor for the payment of 2023 and 2024 leave allowances to workers, payment of three months severance allowance to retired permanent secretaries, among others.
The Union chairman further called for the payment of the 2021, 2022, 2023 promotion arrears and proper placement of the workers that were duly promoted, correction of irregularities in the already implemented minimum wage to Abia workers both at the MDAs, and Health workers in the Local Government Areas.
He pleaded for the commencement of payment of gratuity to retired pensioners, implementation of promotion/harmonization of salaries of teaching and non teaching staff in primary and junior secondary schools, among several other appeals.
Meanwhile, he called on workers to remain committed to the cause of a decent work for all, fight insecurity in all forms and waging war on poverty through policy advocacy, collective bargaining, industrial action where necessary and unrelenting solidarity.
Also, the chairman of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Ifeanyi Eze, while calling for the review of the #70,000 minimum wage for workers, requested the resuscitation of moribund industries in the state, such as the Aba Textile Mill, Ceramics, and Golden Guinea Breweries.
According to the TUC, these revivals would generate employment and significantly boost the state’s internally generated revenue.
Earlier, the Abia State Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Hon Kingsley Nwokocha, congratulated and eulogized the contributions of workers to the growth, stability and prosperity of the state, describing the workforce as the backbone of every economy.
He said the Workers’ Day celebration brings a strong reminder that the progress of any society is anchored on the dedication, resilience and productivity of its workforce, adding that workers’ commitment continues to drive governance, sustain industries and uplift communities.
The Commissioner noted that the Governor of the state is steadfast in its commitment to workers’ welfare, capacity development and the promotion of a conducive working environment.
He added that the Labour and Productivity Ministry in the state would continue to strengthen mechanisms for dialogue, ensure industrial harmony and promote policies that protect the rights and dignity of workers, while enhancing productivity.
