NLC raises alarm over States’ unwillingness to pay new minimum wage
Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, has expressed deep concern over the inability of workers to meet their essential needs despite working long hours—often exceeding 50 hours per week.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual Labour Adjudication and Arbitration Forum (LAAF) in Abuja, themed ‘Labour Adjudication and Appellate Jurisdiction: Challenges and Prospects,’ Houngbo stressed the urgent need for Nigeria and Africa to shift from minimum wage to a living wage, ensuring workers can sustain themselves and their families.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that a citizen works 50 to 60 hours a week yet cannot afford basic needs,” he said.
The ILO DG commended the Nigerian government for raising the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000, acknowledging it as a bold move. However, he emphasized that the rising cost of living makes it imperative to implement a living wage policy rather than just a minimum wage.
“We must move beyond the concept of minimum wage to that of a living wage,” Houngbo insisted.
Houngbo also urged Nigeria to embrace technology as a tool for decent job creation, particularly for the nation’s growing youth population.
“Job creation must remain central to policymaking, not just to address economic challenges but also to respond to workers’ social needs,” he emphasised.
NLC President Decries State Governments’ Reluctance to Pay N70,000 Minimum Wage
In his address, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, criticised some state governments for their reluctance to implement the new minimum wage. He warned that attempts to move labour matters to the concurrent list could destabilize industrial relations.
“If a worker in Adamawa earns ₦20,000 while another in Abuja earns ₦50,000 for the same job, does that mean their rights are unequal?” Ajaero queried.
Expressing frustration over the delay in reviewing Nigeria’s labour laws, Ajaero cautioned that the prolonged process could render the reforms obsolete before their implementation.
“The review has dragged on for too long. We must fast-track it before it becomes irrelevant,” he urged.
Ajaero also lamented how financial constraints prevent workers from seeking legal redress, as many cannot afford lawyers. Worse still, he said, court delays often mean cases drag on for years—sometimes beyond the worker’s lifetime.
“If a worker is wrongfully dismissed and his case takes 6 to 10 years in court, some die before getting justice,” he lamented.
He called for faster dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation and arbitration, to prevent prolonged litigation that keeps workers in limbo.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, reassured Nigerian workers that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to addressing their grievances.
“Mr. President listens and is always willing to work with labour unions for the economic growth of Nigeria,” Dingyadi affirmed.
NECA Director-General, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, described the forum as pan-African, noting that labour issues in Nigeria have far-reaching consequences across the continent.
“This event’s impact extends beyond Nigeria. It influences West Africa, Africa as a whole, and even the global labour landscape,” he stated.
Oyerinde hinted that next year’s edition of the forum could evolve into an international labour summit.
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