The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members in states that have not yet implemented the new minimum wage to commence an indefinite strike beginning December 1, 2024.
The directive was issued following an NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting over the weekend. “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act,” the NLC stated.
“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 also resolved to establish a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to lead an assessment and mobilization campaign, educating workers and citizens about resisting this “assault on their dignity and rights.” As part of its efforts, the NLC stated it would implement industrial actions in all non-compliant states until the minimum wage is fully adopted nationwide.
“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.
In a related issue, the NLC criticized petroleum marketers for inflating the pump price of petrol, alleging that these practices add to the economic suffering of Nigerians. “The NEC-in-session noted with increasing dismay the shenanigans around the appropriate pricing of petrol (PMS) 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,” the NLC noted.
The Congress further claimed that “padding of costs and abnormal margins” have become common, particularly in the dispute between marketers and the Dangote group, and called for the swift reactivation of domestic refineries to end monopolistic control.
“NLC demands appropriate pricing of petrol and calls for the public domestic refineries in PH, Warri, and Kaduna to quickly come back on stream to break up the monopolistic stranglehold the big players have on the industry.”
Additionally, the NLC raised concerns over the worsening economic situation, noting that unchecked inflation and skyrocketing costs of basic needs have placed a severe strain on Nigerian workers. It urged the Federal Government to take immediate and substantial actions to relieve citizens’ economic hardship.
“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 policies that have rather emasculated Nigerian people,” the statement concluded.
