Ex-Commissioner Ajumbe Criticizes NLC and TUC for N250,000 Minimum Wage Demand

Former Imo State Commissioner for Internally Generated Revenue and Pensions, Prof. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of insensitivity for demanding a N250,000 minimum wage.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Ajumbe described the unions’ demands as unrealistic and unsustainable.

He argued that labor unions should prioritize the revival of critical infrastructure, such as the Ajaokuta Steel Industry, to improve internally generated revenue, rather than pushing for an impractical wage increase.

“The N62,000 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government was already a strain on many state budgets,” Ajumbe said. “Some governments don’t have the revenue to pay this wage.”

He further explained, “The government should not be pushed to accept what they know they cannot handle.

How many states can pay? How much is their IGR that can cover this? Using all the money for salaries will leave no funds for infrastructure or development.”

Ajumbe warned that implementing the wage increase could lead to higher inflation and job losses. “The price of goods will go up, house rents will increase, and civil servants will retreat to their villages.

What about the artisans not covered by this wage? Does it mean the private sector will also have to pay it? This will lead to job losses, which is not beneficial.”

Questioning the labor leadership’s stance, Ajumbe asked, “Let me ask the labor president how much he is paying his driver, gateman, and cook.”

He urged labor to focus on advocating for measures that would reduce government corruption.

Ajumbe, also the former state chairman of the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), emphasized that federal and state governments should not be pressured into accepting a minimum wage they cannot sustain.