The agitation for a new minimum wage has continued to take different dimensions, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has vehemently refused the move by state governors to take over the new minimum wage negotiations. Governors under the aegis, the Southern Governors’ Forum, had made the call for states to negotiate the new minimum wage with the labour unions based on their ability to pay. A source in one of the labour centres, who was not authorised to speak, told our correspondent that Labour would not allow such a move to see the light of the day, adding that minimum wage negotiation was constitutional. The source, who noted that allowing state governors, “to free style” with the minimum wage would subject workers in the state to heightened state of poverty and vulnerability, insisted all the states have capacity to pay whatever the new wage might be. According to the source, it was unfortunate that the state governors, who were voted into power by workers to protect their interests, fight for improved welfare and livelihood, were the ones trying to twist the law which mandates them to implement whatever wage was signed into law as a new minimum wage....Read The Full Story Here ▶
“Do you think Labour will ever allow that happen? The governors are only interested in amassing generational wealth for themselves. They care less how the workers fend for themselves. If not, why would governors ever think of dragging minimum wage which is a national issue, to become a sub-national issue?” “The Minimum Wage Act is binding. We patiently await what happens in the coming days.” Meanwhile, the NLC in a swift reaction to the governor’s statement, accused the state governors of being selfish and attempting to be dictatorial, not minding the consequences their proposal would have on the welfare of workers in the country, especially in increasing poverty and insecurity. NLC’s Head Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, in a signed statement, noted that Nigerian workers were not beggars even as he advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow himself to be blackmailed or fall for the gang-up by some state governors advocating a diversity in minimum wage, pay structures. “The fate of Nigerian workers cannot be left solely in the hands of employers, whether public or private. No sane society does that. What the governors are asking for is akin to allowing numerous companies and organisations in Nigeria to pay workers whatever they like. While these companies may not pay the same salaries, they must adhere to the national wage floor, and the same should apply to state governors. “We urge President Tinubu, who had promised a living wage (which is superior to a minimum wage) not to allow himself be blackmailed or boxed into a corner by unpatriotic governors. “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.”
