(JUST IN) Minimum wage : NLC directs members to proceed on strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed its members in states where the implementation of the new minimum wage has yet to begin to embark on an indefinite strike, effective December 1, 2024.

This directive follows the resolutions made at the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting over the weekend.

“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 resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization and sensitization campaign, educating workers and 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 November, 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” the NLC communiqué stated.

Additionally, the NLC expressed concerns over the high pump price of petrol, alleging that petroleum marketers are inflating prices, which it says is leading to further hardship for Nigerians.

“The NEC-in-session noted with increasing dismay the shenanigans around the appropriate pricing of petrol (PMS) in Nigeria. It observed that there may be a gang-up against Nigerians by fat cats in the industry as the current price of the product is significantly higher than the real market price.

“Padding of costs and abnormal margins seems to be the order of the day considering the revelations from the ongoing controversy between Marketers and Dangote group. It is entirely possible that Nigerian workers and masses are being ripped off by those who control the levers of Economic power in Nigeria which explains why the domestic public refineries may not immediately be allowed to come on stream.

The NLC demanded a fair pricing of petrol and urged the government to expedite the reactivation of local refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to lessen the control large industry players have on the market.

Addressing the worsening economic situation, the NLC NEC expressed deep concern over the rising hardship affecting Nigerians, particularly as inflation continues to drive up the cost of basic necessities beyond the reach of many workers.

“We call for the implementation of comprehensive social protection policies that shield Nigerians from poverty, provide affordable healthcare, and ensure a wage that reflects the true cost of living. To this end, we call for a wage review across the nation including a review of all the policies that have rather emasculated Nigerian people.”