Dare Babalola
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal and state governments to follow the example of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who recently implemented a minimum wage of N104,000 for workers in the state.
NLC President Joe Ajaero made the call while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of a conference in Abuja.
Ajaero described Uzodimma’s move as “commendable” and said it should serve as an inspiration to other governors. He noted that during wage negotiations with the federal government, the argument was that the government did not want to set the bar too high, considering the financial capacity of sub-national governments.
“However, since Imo State, which is not among the highest revenue-generating states, can afford to pay over N100,000, other states should be encouraged to do more,” Ajaero said.
The NLC president emphasised that the minimum wage is the least that workers should earn and that states can do better, urging governors not to wait for the next three years for a wage review, especially given the current economic situation.
Ajaero also expressed concerns about issues with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund and called for immediate action to address the problem. He warned that the government’s attempt to unilaterally amend the NSITF Act would allow it to control a fund that belongs to workers.
In a related development, the President of the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers, Stephen Okoro, lamented unfair labor practices by employers in the construction industry.
He said engineers bear the brunt of work in the industry and are often subjected to poor working conditions. Okoro emphasized the union’s commitment to decent work agendas and abolishing casualization in the industry.
