By Precious Ibikunle
The Nigerian Labour Congress,(NLC) has rejected the state governors’ proposal to pay workers whatever they can afford as wages,describing the plan as not only dictatorial but also a threat to the entire concept of the minimum wage.
The Southern Governors’ Forum, in its communiqué at the end of their meeting in Abeokuta concluded that each state should be allowed to determine its mininum wage.
In response, however, the NLC issued a statement through its Head of Information and Public Affairs,Benson Upah claiming that the governors desire to unilaterally determine the minimum wage is like a recipe for deepening poverty and provoking industrial unrest.
Upah emphasized that the concept of a minimum wage is not arbitrary. It represents a national wage floor,a baseline below which no worker should be paid,adding that the fate of Nigerian workers should not be left solely in the hands of employers,whether public or private,stating that no sane society does that.
Additionally, the NLC also demanded equitable policies and practices. In his remarks, he emphasised that the need for a fair minimum wage goes beyond economic justice: it is also crucial for maintaining social stability and national unity, adding that Nigeran workers should not be reduced to beggars.
According to him, “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 realize that workers’ salaries substantially drive the economy. Not surprisingly,they prioritize their greed over the needs of ordinary citizens.
“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 illustrates why our nation is poorly governed, resulting in the 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.
The Congress urged President Bola Tinubu who has promised a living 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 issues if the national minimum wage because of the gang up of some selfish governors”
He added that the Congress may no longer be able to withstand the pressure of industrial action should the minimum wage issue continue to be prolonged.