The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected state governors’ position expressing a desire to set minimum wages for workers at their discretion.
The labour union, in a statement signed by its Head of Information and Public Affairs, Comade Benson Upah labeled this stance as dictatorial, arguing it undermines the essence of a national minimum wage designed to ensure a baseline standard of living for all workers. The NLC emphasised that the national minimum wage is a legally established wage floor, not subject to arbitrary adjustments by individual states. It criticized the governors’ push to unilaterally decide wages, stating this could jeopardize the welfare of Nigerian workers and the national economy.
‘’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. ‘’It is 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 prioritise their greed over the needs 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.
‘’ 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 within the system, allowing states to reward their workers in alignment with their financial realities.
Highlighting a perceived inconsistency, the NLC questioned why uniform salaries for political office holders set by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) are accepted without objection, yet similar standards for workers’ wages are challenged. The union of workers expressed concern over what it views as ignorance of global best practices among some governors, suggesting that these leaders need further education on governance and industrial relations.
The NLC praised governors who prioritize workers’ welfare and urged continued cooperation with them. It warned that paying workers below a fair standard would deepen poverty and increase insecurity.
The NLC further called on President Bola Tinubu to uphold his promise of a living wage and urged the Federal Government not to succumb to pressure from certain governors. It reiterated its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and welfare, advocating for a fair wage system to maintain social stability and national cohesion.
