In a speech released on Monday night, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed its disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s recent statement about an imminent review of the minimum wage. The Congress emphasized that it is well-known that the minimum wage review is legally scheduled for 2024, and accused the Tinubu administration of lacking cooperation and dialogue with organized labor.
Joe Ajaero, the national president of NLC, signed the statement, which highlighted the disparity between the treatment of private sector employees and public workers. The Congress pointed out that President Tinubu praised the private sector for promptly implementing wage adjustments, yet the government failed to do the same for its own employees. This failure, according to NLC, signifies a double standard set by the government.
NLC expressed its concern over the challenges faced by Nigerian workers amidst hyperinflation and hardships caused by the abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy. The Congress questioned how workers would cope until 2024, the scheduled time for the minimum wage review, considering the current economic reality.
Ajaero further lamented the lack of progress in negotiations between the organized labor and the government. He stated that the government’s side has been represented by empty chairs during discussions, as there has been no tangible commitment to engage in sincere negotiations. The sub-committee responsible for wage award negotiations has not been inaugurated nor held any meetings, adding to the frustration of organized labor.
In conclusion, the Nigeria Labour Congress expressed its disappointment with President Tinubu’s premature statements on the minimum wage review and urged the government to honor the scheduled review in 2024 while addressing the pressing needs of workers in the face of economic challenges.