The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed its members in states yet to implement the new minimum wage to begin an indefinite strike from 1st December 2024.
This directive comes as part of the NLC’s resolutions after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held over the weekend.
“The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by certain state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. This betrayal by some governors and officials across the country contravenes both legality and morality, as workers are denied their rightful wages amidst growing economic hardship. It represents a blatant disregard for the law and the welfare of millions of Nigerian workers, who are exploited by the very leaders sworn to serve them.
“The NEC has thus resolved to establish a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will launch a nationwide assessment, mobilisation, and awareness campaign to educate workers and the public on resisting this affront to their dignity and rights. Additionally, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and will remain steadfast until the minimum wage is universally implemented across Nigeria.
“To this end, all state councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully enforced by 30th November 2024 have been directed to embark on a strike beginning 1st December 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” part of the NLC’s communique reads.
Meanwhile, the NLC has also accused petroleum marketers of inflating the pump price of petrol, claiming that it is substantially higher than the actual market value.
The NLC alleges that petrol marketers are exploiting Nigerians, intensifying their suffering due to the government’s stringent economic policies.
“The NEC-in-session noted with growing alarm the manipulations around petrol (PMS) pricing in Nigeria. It observed that there may be collusion among powerful individuals in the industry, as the current price is far above the real market cost.
“The padding of costs and abnormal margins seems prevalent, as shown in the ongoing dispute between the Marketers and the Dangote Group. It appears that Nigerian workers and the general public are being exploited by those controlling economic power in Nigeria, which may explain delays in the full operation of domestic public refineries.”
The NLC has called for fair pricing of petrol and urges the reopening of public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to disrupt the monopolistic control of major industry players.
On the worsening economic situation in the country, the NLC’s NEC expressed profound concern over the increasing hardship inflicted upon Nigerian citizens.
It observed that inflation continues to rise unchecked, with essential costs climbing beyond the reach of the average worker.
The NLC has demanded immediate, tangible interventions from the Federal Government, rather than token gestures, to alleviate the suffering.
“We call for the implementation of comprehensive social protection policies to shield Nigerians from poverty, ensure affordable healthcare, and provide wages reflecting the true cost of living. To this end, we urge a national wage review and a re-evaluation of all policies that have exacerbated the hardship faced by Nigerians.”