The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly rejected the efforts by some governors to unilaterally set the minimum wage for workers, warning that such actions would worsen poverty and insecurity in the country.
In a statement released on Friday, the NLC addressed recent remarks by governors who proposed paying workers as they saw fit, stressing that governors cannot single-handedly decide wages.
Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs, signed the statement, condemning this arbitrary approach as both dictatorial and contrary to the established principles and model for determining a national minimum wage in Nigeria.
Upah explained that the national minimum wage is a benchmark below which no worker should be paid, ensuring a minimum standard of living.
He argued that allowing governors to set the minimum wage on their own endangers the well-being of Nigerian workers and the national economy, and called for adherence to collective agreements and established standards.
“It is important to remind the Governors that the national minimum wage is not synonymous with the individual pay structures of the states which they implement religiously, reflecting their unique financial capabilities and circumstances.
“This diversity in pay structures underscores the flexibility that already exists within the system, allowing states to reward their workers in alignment with their financial realities.”
NLC, however, noted that the Governors’ argument appeared inconsistent when juxtaposed with the remuneration of political office holders.
The union questioned, “Why is there no hue and cry when political office holders across the nation receive uniform salaries as determined by Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission?
“This double standards which pitches a few privileged against the majority poor is an issue that should be of concern to those who love this country,” the NLC stated.
The statement partly read, “We are deeply concerned by this blatant display of ignorance regarding the global best practices for national minimum wage by some of these Governors. It is evident that, despite their frequent travels abroad, they have deliberately chosen not to educate themselves on fundamental global issues crucial to successful governance.
“This level of self-imposed ignorance on basic industrial relations matters clearly illustrates why our nation is poorly governed, resulting in unacceptable suffering of Nigerians. For this set of governors we recommend a return to school for proper education as they constitute a threat to our democracy.
“We must also use the opportunity to commend the forward-looking and progressively-minded governors (not in name but indeed) who take seriously the welfare of workers in their thoughts and policies. We will continue to identify as well as work with them.
“The pursuit by many governors to pay workers whatever they like deepens poverty and causes varying dimensions of insecurity. The governors are carried away by their present structure of security detail but the sword of Damocles awaits them on exit from office.”
The Labour Union described as unfortunate that workers’ salaries are often seen as charity rather than the hard-earned income of hardworking Nigerians. “It is equally painful that some of these governors fail to realise that workers salaries substantially drive the economy. Not surprisingly, they prioritised their greed over the need of ordinary citizens.
“The fate of Nigerian workers cannot be left solely in the hands of employers, whether public or private. No sane society does that. What the governors are asking for is akin to allowing numerous companies and organizations in Nigeria to pay workers whatever they like.
“While these companies may not pay the same salaries, they must adhere to the national wage floor, and the same should apply to state governors.”
The Union, however, appealed to President Tinubu, who had promised a living wage which according to the Labour is superior to a minimum wage, not to allow himself be blackmailed or boxed into a corner by unpatriotic governors.
“We urge the federal government to stop dithering on the issue of the national minimum wage because of the gang up by some selfish governors.
“The NLC urges the Governors to abandon any inclination towards dictatorial practices as the process remains a tripartite one.
“Accordingly, we call for policies and actions driven by equity and fairness. Ensuring a fair minimum wage is not only a matter of economic justice but also a fundamental aspect of maintaining social stability and national cohesion.
“Nigerian workers should not be reduced to beggars! Enough is enough!”
Upah stated that NLC stands firm in its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers. “We will continue to advocate for a fair and equitable wage system that reflects the true spirit of our nation’s values. We call on the Governors to join us in this commitment for the benefit of all Nigerians. Let democracy flourish.”
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