The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a December 1 ultimatum to state governments to implement the new minimum wage or face nationwide industrial actions.
The announcement, made on Sunday in a communique signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, followed the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Expressing dissatisfaction with some states’ delay in implementing the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, Ajaero highlighted the severe impact of economic hardship on workers.
He criticized certain state governments for disregarding the law and urged a coordinated pushback.
“This betrayal by some governors and officials flies in the face of both legality and morality,” Ajaero stated.
“It is a blatant disregard for the lives of millions of workers who continue to suffer amid rising economic hardship.”
In response, the NEC has resolved to establish a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee.
The committee will assess and mobilize public support, urging citizens to resist what it terms as an “assault on dignity and rights.” The NLC plans to initiate industrial actions across non-compliant states, beginning on December 1 if the deadline is unmet.
Ajaero also pressed for an immediate wage review, noting the need for broader interventions to alleviate Nigerians’ economic struggles.
He highlighted soaring inflation, inaccessible energy, and the resurgence of nutrition-related illnesses like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus due to economic distress.
The NLC president called on the Federal Government to adopt a fair pricing structure for petrol, advocating for the revitalization of the domestic refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to dismantle monopolistic practices in the industry.
On social issues, Ajaero urged President Bola Tinubu to release detained protesters, emphasizing the importance of respecting citizens’ rights.
He also expressed concerns over the inadequacy of the provided Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and the existing infrastructure gaps, which he said could hinder the program’s effectiveness.
In his concluding remarks, Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare and called on the government to prioritize the well-being and dignity of all Nigerians.
