In states that have not yet implemented the new minimum wage, the Nigeria Labour Congress, or NLC, has directed its members to go on indefinite strike starting on December 1, 2024.
Following its National Executive Council, or NEC, meeting over the weekend, the NLC adopted the directive as one of its resolutions.
The meeting’s communiqué stated, in part, “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“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 therefore resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.
“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.
“To this end, 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.”
Regarding the country’s deteriorating economic circumstances, the NLC stated that its NEC is deeply concerned about the growing economic suffering being inflicted on Nigerians.
Among other things, it pointed out that inflation is still rising unchecked and that the average worker can no longer afford the cost of essential commodities.
The NLC called on the Federal Government to alleviate the suffering immediately and with tangible actions rather than just symbolic ones.
“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 the policies that have rather emasculated Nigerian people,” it said.
