Govs setting minimum wage will jeopardise worker’s economic security – NLC
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has harshly denounced recent declarations made by a few governors in Nigeria that they intend to set the minimum wage for Nigerian labourers according to their own discretion.
The NLC claims that this approach is autocratic and undercuts the accepted framework for setting a national minimum wage in Nigeria.
The Congress underlined in a press statement released by Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs at NLC, that the national minimum wage is a collective agreement intended to guarantee a minimal level of life for every worker in the nation rather than an arbitrary number.
According to NLC, the governors’ aim to impose a minimum wage unilaterally runs counter to this idea and jeopardises the economic security of Nigerian workers.
“The concept of a national minimum wage represents a national wage floor, a baseline below which no worker should be paid,” Upah stated.
He reminded the governors that each state’s pay system reflects its own financial situation and capabilities, and that the minimum wage is an additional figure.
He pointed out that this flexibility enables nations to compensate their employees in accordance with their financial circumstances.
The NLC also criticised the governors’ inconsistent stance, pointing out that without comparable complaints, political office holders nationwide get standard salary set by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission.
“This double standard pits a few privileged individuals against the majority poor, which should concern anyone who loves this country,” the release stated.
The NLC expressed deep concern over what it described as a “blatant display of ignorance” regarding global best practices for national minimum wage by some governors. Despite frequent travels abroad, these governors, according to the NLC, have failed to educate themselves on fundamental issues crucial to successful governance. The Congress recommended that these governors “return to school for proper education” to avoid posing a threat to democracy.
The National Labour Congress (NLC) applauded the governors for placing worker welfare first and pushed the federal government to tackle the national minimum wage issue without caving in to pressure from “selfish governors.” The Congress reaffirmed that wages are hard-earned money that fuels the economy, not charity.
“Allowing numerous companies and organizations in Nigeria to pay workers whatever they like is akin to what the governors are asking for,” the NLC argued. “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.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) urged President Bola Tinubu to honour his pledge to provide a livable wage and resist the influence of disloyal governors. The governors were pushed by the Congress to reject any tendency towards autocratic methods and to adopt policies based on justice and equity. They contended that in addition to being an issue of economic justice, ensuring a decent minimum wage is also essential to preserving social stability and fostering national cohesion.
“Nigerian workers should not be reduced to beggars! Enough is enough!” the NLC declared.
The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers, advocating for a fair and equitable wage system that reflects the nation’s values.
