The Nigeria Labour Congress in a
speech released on Monday night knocked the President, Bola Tinubu’s
declaration that the review of minimum wage was imminent.
The Congress in the statement
noted that it was “open knowledge” that the review of minimum wage would
commence in 2024 as stipulated by law. The Congress also stated that the Tinubu
administration had failed to show cooperation and dialogue with members of the
organised labour.
The statement which was signed by
the national president, Joe Ajaero, reads, “Labour is disturbed that while
President Tinubu in his speech lavishly praised the Private Sector for quickly
dispensing wage award to their employees, the Federal Government has failed to
do the same for public workers in its employment. This is a clear case of
failing woefully to live up to the standards it has set for others to meet.
“It is open knowledge that the review of the
national minimum wage is a matter of the law which is expected to happen in
2024. How would Nigerian workers cope with the current reality of
hyperinflation and suffering unleashed by the hasty removal of the so-called
petrol subsidy till 2024 when the national minimum wage would be reviewed? This
is incredible!”
Speaking further on the
negotiations so far, Ajaero said, “Organised Labour has been forced to
negotiate with empty chairs on the Federal Government’s side as the Federal
Government has not matched its public promises with firm commitment to
negotiate in good faith with labour. As a matter of fact, the sub-committee on
wage award has not been inaugurated and has not met.”
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