The Nigeria Labour Congress has called for a 50 percent salary increase because of the harsh reality in the country.

This was contained in a letter dated August 8 addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari.   

The letter which lambasted the economic prescriptions offered by State Governors which they pushed for the elimination of petrol subsidy, the retirement of civil servants from the age of 50, and the reduction of National Assembly constituency projects among other prescriptions, adding that they “should be treated as enemies.”

Instead of early retirement, the union asked the Buhari-led administration to consider a further increase of worker salaries.

“While we commend you for your thoughtfulness for a wage increase, truth of the matter is that given the misfortune that has befallen the Nigerian populace, especially workers with fixed incomes, there is an urgent need for a massive intervention much deeper than the 22 percent,” the letter, signed by NLC President Ayuba Wabba, said.

“We would recommend a 50 percent salary review across the board given the realities on ground.”