The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members in states that have not yet implemented the new minimum wage to begin an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024.
This directive is part of the resolutions made by the NLC following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting over the weekend.
The communiqué from the meeting stated, “The NEC expresses deep frustration over the ongoing delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“This betrayal by certain governors and government officials contradicts both legal and moral principles, as workers are being deprived of their rightful wages in the face of increasing economic hardship.”
It is a clear violation of the law and a disregard for the welfare of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders who are meant to protect them.
“As a result, the NEC has decided to establish a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee. This committee will, among other tasks, carry out a nationwide assessment, mobilize, and raise awareness, educating workers and citizens on the importance of resisting this attack on their dignity and rights.”
In addition, the NLC will begin a series of industrial actions in all states that have not complied, and will not stop until the minimum wage is fully implemented nationwide.
“Therefore, all state councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the end of November 2024 are instructed to go on strike starting December 1, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and they will get it.”
Regarding the worsening economic situation, the NLC stated that its NEC is deeply concerned about the increasing economic hardship being imposed on Nigerian citizens.
The NLC highlighted that inflation is rising uncontrollably, with the prices of essential goods soaring beyond the affordability of the average worker, among other issues.
The NLC called for urgent, substantial actions from the Federal Government, not symbolic gestures, to ease the suffering.
“We demand the implementation of comprehensive social protection policies that protect Nigerians from poverty, provide access to affordable healthcare, and ensure wages that align with the actual cost of living.”
In this regard, we are calling for a nationwide wage review, along with a reassessment of all policies that have weakened the Nigerian people,” it stated.
