Minimum wage: NLC Express Outrage, says govs can’t pay what they like
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has come hard on governors for demanding to be allowed to pay whatever they can as national minimum wage to workers.
The NLC stated that this notion was not only dictatorial but also undermined the very essence as well as the model adopted for creating a national minimum wage in Nigeria.
In a statement on Friday, June 28, by its head, of information and public affairs, Benson Upah, the NLC stated that the pursuit by many governors to pay workers whatever they like deepened poverty and caused varying dimensions of insecurity.
The new wage has been put on hold following the decision of President Bola Tinubu to consult before sending the Bill to the National Assembly.
Both the federal government and organised private sector (OPS) agreed on N62,000 while organised labour demanded N250,000.
On Friday, the NLC urged President Tinubu, who had promised a living wage (which is superior to a minimum wage) not to allow himself to be blackmailed or boxed into a corner by unpatriotic governors.
The NLC also urged the Federal Government to stop dithering on the issue of the national minimum wage because of the gang up by some selfish governors.
The Congress urged the governors to abandon any inclination towards dictatorial practices as the process remained a tripartite one.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is compelled to address the recent statements made by some Nigerian Governors regarding their desire to pay what they deem fit to Nigerian workers as the minimum wage. This notion is not only dictatorial but also undermines the very essence as well as the model adopted for creating a national minimum wage in Nigeria.
We urge the federal government to stop dithering on the issue of the national minimum wage because of the gang up by some selfish governors.
“The NLC urges the Governors to abandon any inclination towards dictatorial practices as the process remains a tripartite one. Accordingly, we call for policies and actions driven by equity and fairness. Ensuring a fair minimum wage is not only a matter of economic justice but also a fundamental aspect of maintaining social stability and national cohesion. Nigerian workers should not be reduced to beggars! Enough is enough!
“Finally, NLC stands firm in its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers. We will continue to advocate for a fair and equitable wage system that reflects the true spirit of our nation’s values. We call on the Governors to join us in this commitment for the benefit of all Nigerians. Let democracy flourish.”
