In response to President Bola Tinubu’s proposal for a N30,000 minimum wage starting April 2024, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed its concerns during the ongoing 19th edition of the NLC 2023 Harmattan School in Abuja.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, represented by Vice President Benjamin Anthony, emphasized that the negotiation for the new national minimum wage in 2024 should consider the current cost of living in the country. Ajaero highlighted the additional hardships faced by working people due to the removal of subsidies on petroleum products, contributing to rising inflation and growing inequality.
Acknowledging the challenges, Ajaero stressed the importance for all levels of government to recognize the difficulties in life and living conditions.
He said, “The removal of subsidies on petroleum products has further worsened the challenges faced by working people.”
“That is unleashing severe pain and contributing to galloping inflation and increasing inequality and poverty.”
“We must reckon that a well-motivated and well-remunerated workforce has a positive impact on productivity and national development.
“As we anticipate the commencement of negotiations for the National Minimum Wage in 2024.
“We seek the understanding of all stakeholders to ensure that we use this opportunity to arrive at a minimum wage commensurate with the prevailing cost of living,” he added.
While the immediate goal is a fair minimum wage, Ajaero emphasized the ultimate aim of establishing a living wage that not only covers basic living costs but also allows workers to save. Additionally, he condemned the recent assault on workers and leaders in Imo, citing a threat to freedom of association and collective bargaining, as protected by the Constitution and international labor conventions.
Ajaero called for a collective condemnation of such actions and urged the Imo Government to address labor issues, reinstate ‘ghost workers,’ settle outstanding salaries and pensions, and bring back victimized workers.
In his words; “This is as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining.
“This should unequivocally be condemned by all people of goodwill. The only thing that can assuage our pains is for the Imo Government to address all labour issues.
“They are also to return the so-called ‘ghost workers’ to their jobs, pay all outstanding salaries and pensions and call back all victimised workers to their jobs,”he said.
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