2027: NLC urges journalists to push for living wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on journalists to push for a living wage for workers in the run-up to the 2027 general elections. Assistant Secretary Chris Onyeka emphasized that Nigeria requires a living wage rather than the current statutory minimum wage, which falls short of meeting basic needs. The NLC urged the Labour Correspondents' Association of Nigeria (LACAN) to support the fight for better wages, job security, and social protection.

Onyeka warned that policies suppressing workers' earnings in the name of stabilisation are detrimental to workers. The upcoming 2027 elections and negotiations for a new national minimum wage are seen as critical opportunities to address the hardships faced by Nigerian workers. Onyeka described the struggle for a living wage as a class struggle and stressed the importance of a media that is truthful and not compromised by power.

He urged labour correspondents to scrutinize political parties' economic proposals and demand clear commitments on workers' welfare. Onyeka cautioned against reporting that could deepen divisions within the labour movement and urged journalists to adopt an approach that gave attention to vulnerable groups.