The Organised Labour has berated some state governors canvassing minimum wage payments based on their respective states’ capacity, insisting that the concept of a national minimum wage is not arbitrary.
The Labour Movement was reacting to the position canvassed by governors from the southern part of Nigeria, under the aegis of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) that consideration be given to the cost of living and the ability of each state to pay in reaching an agreement on the new minimum wage.
Members of the Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), slammed the governors’ position as dictatorial and also undermining the essence and model adopted for creating a national minimum wage in Nigeria.
Speaking through the Head of Information at the NLC Headquarters, Comrade Benson Upah, Labour, who spoke through said the governors’ argument appeared inconsistent when juxtaposed with the remuneration of political office holders.
According to him, there is no hue and cry when political officeholders across the nation receive uniform salaries as determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), noting; “These double standards which pits a few privileged against the majority poor is an issue that should be of concern to those who love this country.
“We are deeply concerned by this blatant display of ignorance regarding the global best practices for a 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.
“This level of self-imposed ignorance on basic industrial relations matters clearly illustrates why our nation is poorly governed, resulting in unacceptable suffering of Nigerians. For this set of governors, we recommend a return to school for proper education as they constitute a threat to our democracy.”
Comrade Upah further maintained that the many governors’ decision to pay workers whatever they like has deepened poverty and caused varying dimensions of insecurity across the country, noting that the governors were carried away by their present structure of security details but “the sword of Damocles awaits them on exit from office.”
Specifically, the NLC spokesman lamented; “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. Not surprisingly, they prioritise their greed over the needs of ordinary citizens.
“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. We urge President (Bola) Tinubu who had promised a living wage (which is superior to a minimum wage) not to allow himself to be blackmailed or boxed into a corner by unpatriotic governors.
“We urge the federal government to stop dithering on the issue of the national minimum wage because of the gang-up by some selfish governors.”
For Upah, the governors must abandon any inclination towards dictatorial practices as the process remains a tripartite one, adding; “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! Finally, NLC stands firm in its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers. We will continue to advocate for a fair and equitable wage system that reflects the true spirit of our nation’s values. We call on the governors to join us in this commitment to benefit all Nigerians. Let democracy flourish.”
Rising from their meeting held recently at the presidential Lodge, Ibara housing, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, governors from the southern part of Nigeria had called for the consideration of the cost of living and the ability of each state to pay in reaching an agreement on the new minimum wage.
In advocating that each state negotiate the new wage with the Labour Unions, the meeting’s communique stated thus; “The Forum discussed the minimum wage issues demanded by Labour and unanimously agreed that the minimum wage should be reflective of the cost of living and that each state should be allowed to negotiate its minimum wage. This led to the forum’s discussion on fiscal federalism and devolution of powers”.
