The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it categorically rejected the attempt by some governors to arbitrarily determine the minimum wage for workers.
In a statement released on Friday, the NLC responded to recent comments made by governors seeking to pay workers whatever they deemed fit, emphasising that governors could not unilaterally dictate wages.
Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs, signed the statement, stressing that such arbitrary approach was not only dictatorial but also undermined the principles and model established for setting a national minimum wage in Nigeria.
In the statement, NLC expressed their displeasure at such display by some selfish governors.
The statement partly reads, ” We are deeply concerned by this blatant display of ignorance regarding the global best practices for national minimum wage by some of these Governors.
” It is evident that, despite their frequent travels abroad, they have deliberately chosen not to educate themselves on fundamental global issues crucial to successful governance.
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” 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.”
The statement continued, ” 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.
” The NLC urges the Governors to abandon any inclination towards dictatorial practices as the process remains a tripartite one. Accordingly, we call for policies and actions driven by equity and fairness.
“Ensuring a fair minimum wage is not only a matter of economic justice but also a fundamental aspect of maintaining social stability and national cohesion. Nigerian workers should not be reduced to beggars! Enough is enough!”.
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