NLC Announces Indefinite Strike Over Non-Implementation of Minimum Wage
By Wisdom Tide
November 11, 2024
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members in states that have not yet implemented the new minimum wage to commence an indefinite strike beginning December 1, 2024. This decision follows the resolutions reached during the NLC's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting over the weekend.
Call for State Compliance with Minimum Wage Law
In a communiqué from the NEC meeting, the NLC expressed frustration over certain state governments’ persistent delay and outright refusal to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. The communiqué reads, “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.”
The NLC criticized this non-compliance as both a legal and moral failure, highlighting that workers across the country are being denied their rightful wages amid increasing economic hardship. The NEC asserted that this behavior represents “a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.”
Establishment of a Minimum Wage Implementation Committee
In response, the NLC announced the formation of a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee. The committee’s mandate includes conducting nationwide assessments, mobilizing support, and raising awareness to educate both workers and citizens about their rights and the significance of the minimum wage. Through this campaign, the NLC aims to rally support against the states that have not adhered to the minimum wage law.
The communiqué stated, “The NEC therefore resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization, and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.”
Strike Action to Begin December 1, 2024
The NLC has directed that state councils in non-compliant states proceed with a strike if the minimum wage is not implemented by November 30, 2024. The communiqué emphasized that the NLC would continue its industrial actions until the new minimum wage is enforced nationwide. “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,” it read.
Addressing Economic Hardship and Calls for Federal Intervention
Alongside the strike mandate, the NLC expressed profound concern about the worsening economic situation in Nigeria, particularly the rising cost of living. The NEC noted the impact of inflation on basic necessities, which has placed a heavy burden on Nigerian citizens, especially workers.
The NLC urged the Federal Government to implement meaningful interventions that address the root causes of economic hardship rather than offering temporary relief. It called for comprehensive social protection policies to shield Nigerians from poverty, ensure affordable healthcare, and provide wages that reflect the real cost of living.
In its communiqué, the NLC stated, “We call for the implementation of comprehensive social protection policies that shield Nigerians from poverty, provide affordable healthcare, and ensure a wage that reflects the true cost of living.”
Demand for a Nationwide Wage Review
As part of its recommendations, the NLC called for a national wage review to ensure that policies align with the economic realities facing the Nigerian people. The organization emphasized the need for policy adjustments that protect workers’ rights and economic well-being, further asserting that wage levels should reflect the prevailing costs of goods and services.
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