State governments have been given a deadline by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to enact the new minimum wage by December 1, 2024. Following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday, NLC President Mr. Joe Ajaero signed a communiqué expressing this firm stance.
The NLC, according to Ajaero, is extremely unhappy with the state governments’ tardiness in enforcing the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. Due to the nation’s increasingly difficult economic circumstances, many workers in these states are finding it difficult to make ends meet. According to the NLC, these denials and delays violate the legal and ethical duties owed to the Nigerian labor in addition to being an administrative failure.
“The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act,” Ajaero stated. “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.”
The NLC’s frustration stems from the continuous hardships endured by employees who are not receiving their legally required minimum pay. Ajaero claims that this rejection is a serious insult to Nigerian workers, who are still being taken advantage of by the very politicians who are meant to protect their interests. Trust and faith in public administration have been eroded as a result of state governments’ inability to uphold their responsibilities under the new wage law, particularly in light of the country’s already mounting unemployment, poverty, and inflation problems.
The NLC has decided to act decisively in response to this ongoing non-compliance. A National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee was formed by Congress and will begin a nationwide mobilization and assessment campaign. In addition to asking residents and workers to oppose what they perceive to be an attack on their rights and dignity, the committee’s purpose will involve educating the public and increasing awareness of the significance of demanding the implementation of the new wage.
Additionally, the NLC has stated unequivocally that by the end of November 2024, it would launch a series of industrial activities in every state that does not adhere to the minimum wage law. In order to put pressure on state governments to uphold the law, this could involve demonstrations, strikes, and other types of labor unrest. Until the national minimum wage is completely implemented, the NLC is adamant about refusing to back down.
“This flagrant disrespect for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers is unacceptable. It is time for the administration to fulfill its commitments to our members, who are the foundation of this country,” Ajaero underlined.
The NLC has ordered all state councils in areas where the minimum wage has not been fully implemented by November 30, 2024, to go on strike beginning on December 1 in order to highlight the gravity of the situation. This action lays the groundwork for possible widespread labor disruption in the upcoming weeks and demonstrates how seriously the NLC takes the matter.
At a crucial moment when Nigeria’s economy is faltering and workers’ purchasing power is steadily declining, the NLC issued its ultimatum. The NLC believes that in order to give workers some financial respite in the midst of the economic crisis, the new minimum wage must be implemented. Given that the NLC portrays itself as a strong defender of the rights of Nigerian workers, the outcome of this ultimatum will have a substantial impact on both the workers and Nigeria’s political climate.
