The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed its state councils to begin an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024, in states that are not fully paying the new minimum wage of N70,000. The organization also urged the federal government to reconsider policies that harm the people, noting that these policies push many Nigerians into poverty.
NLC President Joe Ajaero raised this issue after Sunday’s meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He stressed that workers in Rivers State should not suffer due to the ongoing political turmoil and that funds for their salaries and benefits must be released without delay.
Ajaero said, “We are deeply frustrated by the ongoing failure of some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. Certain governors and officials’ behavior is illegal and immoral, as workers are being denied their fair wages amid increasing economic hardship. This shows a clear disregard for the law and the welfare of millions of Nigerian workers who are being exploited by leaders who are supposed to defend them.”
Committee To Ensure Compliance
The NLC has decided to form a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to assess the situation nationwide. They plan to educate workers and the public about standing up for their rights.
Furthermore, the NLC will begin industrial actions in states that have not complied with the minimum wage law. Ajaero declared, “All state councils must go on strike if the minimum wage is not fully implemented by the end of November 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and they will get it.”
The NLC is also worried about Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions. “We are very concerned about the rising hardships citizens are facing. Inflation is constantly increasing, making basic needs unaffordable for many workers,” Ajero said.
He added that countless Nigerians struggle to meet their daily needs, often choosing between food and healthcare.
The NLC called for immediate government action, demanding comprehensive social protection policies to help alleviate poverty, provide affordable healthcare, and ensure wages that reflect the cost of living.
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