As one of the steps to lessen the impact of the removal of petroleum product subsidies, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has proposed a 200 percent wage award to workers.

The pay handout, according to NLC President Joe Ajaero, became essential as a result of the employees’ financial struggles brought on by the nation’s over 200% increase in the price of fuel at the pump.

According to Ajaero, the NLC wanted the government to resolve the salary award issue before tackling the minimum wage issue.

He claimed that given the magnitude of the increase in petrol prices at the pump, labour would want “almost 200 percent in wage award.”

“We would have addressed the issue of CNG for instance and where people pay N500 per litre of fuel, maybe they will be paying less than that on CNG,” he said to Channels TV.

“We agreed that the federal government has had more than enough time for the past four months, even if there is commitment and genuineness of purpose that between now and next few days issues will be resolved and we hope that the minister will work with us within the next few days to make sure we resolve the matter.”

When asked a question on why the Trade Union Congress (TUC) was holding a separate meeting with the government, Ajaero said both the NLC and TUC are independent labour centres.

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