The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given state governments a December 1 deadlin to implement the new minimum wage, threatening to embark on industrial actions in non-compliant states.
This declaration was made on Sunday through a communique signed by the NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, expressed frustration over the delay in implementing the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, describing it as a “betrayal” and “blatant disregard” for the law and workers’ rights.
“The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.
“It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.
“The NEC therefore resolved to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will commence a nationwide assessment, mobilisation and campaign to educate citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.
“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.
“To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of Nov. 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from Dec. 1,” he said.
Ajaero noted that workers in affected states are struggling to sustain themselves due to the worsening economic situation. “Inflation continues to rise unchecked, with the costs of basic necessities spiralling beyond the reach of the average worker,” he said.
The NLC president also called for immediate interventions from the Federal Government to alleviate Nigerians’ suffering.
“NLC demands appropriate pricing of petrol and calls for the public domestic refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna to quickly come back on stream to break-up the monopolistic stranglehold the big players have on the industry.
“The NLC stands in solidarity with the workers and people of Rivers State. We demand an immediate resolution that allows the state to continue to have unfettered access to its rightful revenue allocations,” he said.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to release the remaining protesters in various jails across the nation as NLC had severally demanded earlier and creating adequate safeguards to avert future occurrence.
“NEC -in- session expressed its appreciation to the federal Government for providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the Congress but noted that they are grossly inadequate to address the huge gap in transportation.
“It also noted the apparent CNG infrastructure deficits around the country which may scuttle the entire CNG objectives.
“Inflation continues to rise unchecked, with the costs of basic necessities spiralling beyond the reach of the average worker.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains unwavering in its commitment to the wellbeing and dignity of Nigerian workers.” he said.
The NLC remains committed to the wellbeing and dignity of Nigerian workers, emphasizing that it will not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.
Read also: President Urges States to Implement N70,000 Minimum Wage Without Delay
Jerome Kalu
Jerome Kalu is currently the Senior Correspondent of PIJAlance in Lagos. He was previously the Campus Information Desk (CID) Editor.