The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to state governments, threatening industrial action if they fail to implement the new minimum wage by December 1, 2024. The union also accused fuel marketers of exploiting Nigerians by inflating petrol prices significantly above market value.
In a communique released on Sunday, the NLC expressed deep concern over the worsening economic hardship faced by Nigerians, blaming government policies for pushing many into poverty. The union called for an urgent review of these “anti-people” policies.
The NLC has vowed to commence an indefinite strike in states that have yet to implement the new minimum wage of N70,000. The strike is scheduled to begin on December 1, 2024.
In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the increase in the minimum wage, but several states have been slow to adopt the new rate, leading to widespread discontent among workers.
While the federal government mandated a N70,000 minimum wage, several states have gone above and beyond, pledging to pay even higher salaries to their workers. As of the first week of November, over 20 states have officially implemented the new minimum wage, demonstrating significant progress in improving the livelihoods of Nigerian workers.
“The NEC, therefore, resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will, among others, commence a nationwide assessment, mobilisation and sensitisation 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 communique read.
The NLC has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerian workers. The union’s recent call for accountability from both fuel marketers and the government highlights its growing concern over the economic burden faced by citizens.
“The NEC-in-session noted with increasing dismay the shenanigans around the appropriate pricing of petrol 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.
“NLC demands appropriate pricing of petrol and calls for the Public domestic refineries in PH, Warri and Kaduna to quickly come back on stream,” it added.
