NLC Issues December 1 Deadline for States to Implement New Minimum Wage
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given all state governments a December 1 deadline to implement the new national minimum wage, citing severe economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers. This ultimatum was announced in a communique signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In the communique, Ajaero expressed deep frustration with delays in the implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act by several states, calling the delay both illegal and unjust. He stated that this non-compliance has intensified the economic strain on Nigerian workers amid inflation and rising costs of living.
“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 officials flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship,” Ajaero said.
NLC’s Planned Actions Against Non-Compliant States
The NLC has vowed to take decisive action against any state government that fails to meet the December 1 deadline. The NEC warned that all non-compliant states will face industrial actions starting from December 1 until the new minimum wage is fully enforced nationwide.
“All state councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning December 1,” Ajaero announced.
The NLC has also established a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to monitor compliance and to educate the public on the importance of fair wages.
Rising Inflation and Worker Hardship
The NLC expressed grave concerns over rising inflation, which has driven up the cost of essential goods beyond the reach of average workers. Ajaero highlighted that many workers are now forced to make impossible choices between food and healthcare, with some families suffering from malnutrition-related diseases like kwashiorkor and marasmus.
“Inflation continues to rise unchecked, and the costs of basic necessities are spiraling beyond the reach of the average worker. Millions of Nigerians are being driven into destitution, forced to choose daily between feeding their families and seeking healthcare,” he stated.
The NLC emphasized the need for immediate wage reviews and stronger social protection policies to help workers cope with the economic situation.
Transportation Challenges with CNG Initiative
The federal government recently provided Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the NLC as part of an initiative to reduce transportation costs. However, Ajaero pointed out that the number of buses is insufficient, and inadequate CNG infrastructure across the country may hinder the initiative’s success.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress appreciates the federal government’s provision of CNG buses but notes that they are grossly inadequate to address the huge gap in transportation. The lack of adequate CNG infrastructure could undermine the entire CNG objective,” Ajaero explained.
Call for Release of Detained Protesters
In addition to the minimum wage demands, the NLC is calling on President Bola Tinubu to release detained protesters and to ensure protections are in place to prevent future incidents of detainment over labor protests.
This December 1 ultimatum from the NLC underscores the growing pressure on Nigerian state governments to address workers’ rights and the worsening economic hardships affecting millions of citizens.
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