Organized Labour Issues Warning Over Minimum Wage Decision
Amidst ongoing deliberations on the proposed national minimum wage, Organized Labour has issued a stern warning to some state governors, cautioning against providing erroneous advice to President Bola Tinubu that could lead Nigeria into a state of resentment, misery, and impoverishment.
In a statement to newsmen over the weekend, the Head of Information at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Benson Upah, emphasized that President Tinubu’s stance on the proposals from the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage would determine Labour’s next course of action.
The Tripartite Committee, comprising representatives from the government, organized private sector, and Labour (NLC and TUC), had proposed varying figures. While the government and private sector suggested N62,000 as the new minimum wage, Labour insisted on N250,000 as a living wage.
Upah clarified that Labour would carefully scrutinize the figure President Tinubu submits to the National Assembly and decide accordingly through its organizational processes.
He underscored that strike action was a last resort and not every issue could be resolved through industrial action.
Responding to concerns about the delay in President Tinubu’s decision, Upah urged patience, citing the timing of the report submission around Democracy Day and the subsequent Sallah break, which affected stakeholders’ availability in Abuja.
Regarding potential government decisions against Labour’s demands, Upah noted the internal divisions within the government team, particularly among governors who expressed reservations about paying even the proposed N62,000.
“If the government decides to transmit N62,000 to the National Assembly, that will determine our reaction. We will cross the bridge when we get there,” Upah stated, highlighting that while some governors opposed a higher wage, many others supported the need to implement a fair wage policy.
Addressing allegations that governors were obstructing progress on the minimum wage, Upah clarified that it was a vocal minority within the governor’s ranks projecting a negative image.
He urged these governors to reconsider their stance, emphasizing that their actions could exacerbate social tensions and economic challenges in their states.
In conclusion, Upah reiterated Labour’s position that the decision on minimum wage was critical for national prosperity and social stability. He urged stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of Nigerian workers and the overall economic health of the nation.
