The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has directed its members in states that have not started the implementation of the N70, 000 new minimum wage to embark on indefinite strike from December 1, 2024.
The order is part of the resolutions of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the NLC that took place over the weekend in Abuja.
The NLC NEC expressed disappointment over the attitude of some state governors who have tactically reneged on the agreement with Nigerian workers even in the face of worsening economic crisis that has crippled the economic powers of the average Nigerian. The NLC also noted that it was illegal for the governors to pretend that they were unaware of the excruciating economic pains that Nigerian workers go through.
Part of the communique reached at the meeting reads:
“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 demanded immediate, concrete interventions from the Federal Government, not token measures, to relieve the suffering.
“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.”