NLC Advocates Market Hearing For Determining Minimum Wage Amidst Rising Food Prices

NLC Advocates Market Hearing For Determining Minimum Wage Amidst Rising Food Prices

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged for a “Market Hearing” on food prices to facilitate the determination of a suitable minimum wage standard. Joe Ajaero, the President of the NLC, made this proposition during the ongoing North East Zonal Public Hearing on National Minimum Wage, chaired by him in Yola…..READ ALSO Minister Slams NLC Protest As Unnecessary Distraction: Calls For Constructive Solutions

Ajaero emphasized the necessity of conducting market hearings across all regions to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the cost of essential food items. He stressed that such an evaluation was crucial for the success of the minimum wage deliberations.

“We need to go to the markets and ask how much is a bag of rice, Garri and other food items, if we balance the two I think we will get somewhere,” Ajaero stated.

Highlighting the challenges faced by many workers, particularly concerning transportation costs, Ajaero underscored the urgency for government intervention to address these issues.

“We are here to collate raw data, so that we can process, get something better and meaningful that will be acceptable to everyone,” he added.

In response, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa commended the timing of the town hall meeting, recognizing the economic hardships experienced nationwide. Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, Fintiri emphasized the government’s commitment to engaging with the populace to provide necessary assistance and relief.

Stakeholders from Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States were present at the public hearing, highlighting the broad regional representation and importance of the discussions on minimum wage amidst the prevailing economic conditions.