Organized labour has kicked against a fresh proposal by some state governors to set their own minimum wage for workers, advocating for autonomy to determine what they can afford. The Southern Governors’ Forum recently called for each state to pay the new minimum wage they can afford.....Read The Full Story Here ▶
The governors’ advocacy comes a few days after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) stepped down a report to allow President Bola Tinubu to make more consultations before sending the new national minimum wage bill to the National Assembly.
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) criticized the governors’ stance, labeling it as dictatorial and contrary to the foundational principles of a national minimum wage. NLC’s head of information and public affairs, Comrade Benson Upah, emphasized that the national minimum wage is intended as a national baseline to ensure a minimum standard of living for all workers.
According to Upah, the governors’ push to independently determine wage levels undermines this principle and threatens to widen the disparity in workers’ living standards. The NLC pointed out the inconsistency in the governors’ argument, comparing it to the uniform salaries received by political office holders across the country, as determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
The congress decried this “double standard”, calling it a significant concern for the nation’s socio-economic balance. The NLC expressed disappointment at the governors’ apparent ignorance of global best practices regarding national minimum wages, despite their frequent international travels.
The labour centre suggested that such governors should seek further education on industrial relations to better serve their roles. The NLC commended governors who prioritize the welfare of workers and align their policies accordingly, but condemned the attitude of viewing workers’ salaries as charitable handouts rather than rightful earnings.
The statement said, “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… We urge 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.”
Meanwhile, the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has called on the federal government to urgently conclude the process for the new national minimum wage to prevent potential unrest by workers. The appeal was made during the 72nd General Executive Council (GEC) meeting held at Auchi Polytechnic.
SSANIP expressed dismay at the federal and state governments’ slow pace in finalizing the new minimum wage law, which expired since April 18, 2024. The association warned that failure to address this issue promptly could lead to worker unrest, detrimental to the country’s economic progress.
The association lauded the efforts of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in negotiating the new wage and urged President Bola Tinubu to fulfill his promise of providing Nigerian workers with a living wage. During the meeting, SSANIP discussed various issues impacting the polytechnic sector and its members, expressing concerns over national security, economic conditions, and calling for urgent economic policy reforms to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians.
