The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has mandated its members to commence an indefinite strike from December 1, 2024, in states that have failed to implement the new minimum wage.
The directive emerged from the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, where the labor body expressed strong disapproval of various states’ handling of workers’ welfare.
“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,” the NLC stated in its communique.
The labor congress has established a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to spearhead a nationwide assessment and mobilization campaign.
This committee will focus on educating workers and citizens about their rights and the necessity to resist what the NLC terms “an assault on their dignity.”
“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,” the communique emphasized.
Beyond the minimum wage issue, the NLC raised serious concerns about alleged price manipulation in the petroleum sector. The congress accused fuel marketers of artificially inflating petrol prices above market rates, suggesting possible collusion among industry players.
“The NEC-in-session noted with increasing dismay the shenanigans around the appropriate pricing of petrol (PMS) in Nigeria. It observed that there may be a gangup against Nigerians by fat cats in the industry as the current price of the product is significantly higher than the real market price,” the NLC declared.
The labor body pointed to the ongoing controversy between Marketers and the Dangote group as evidence of irregular pricing practices.
They suggested that such practices might be deliberately preventing domestic refineries from becoming operational.
“Padding of costs and abnormal margins seems to be the order of the day considering the revelations from the ongoing controversy between Marketers and Dangote group,” the NLC stated, demanding the swift revival of public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.
The congress also highlighted the deteriorating economic conditions facing Nigerian citizens. They noted the unchecked inflation and skyrocketing costs of basic necessities, which have placed essential items beyond the reach of average workers.
In response to these challenges, the NLC called for “comprehensive social protection policies” from the Federal Government. These policies, according to the congress, should protect citizens from poverty, ensure accessible healthcare, and guarantee living wages that reflect current economic realities.
The labor body advocated for a nationwide wage review and a reassessment of policies they believe have disadvantaged Nigerian citizens, emphasizing the need for immediate and substantial government intervention rather than token measures.
