NLC President Ajaero Clarifies Position on Minimum Wage Dispute, Rules Out Immediate Strike
June 10, 2024 — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that there will be no strike action scheduled for Tuesday in the ongoing pursuit of a revised national minimum wage. This announcement was made by NLC President Joe Ajaero during the International Labour Conference currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.
“We cannot declare a strike now because the figures are with the President,” Ajaero stated, expressing optimism that the current administration will act favorably on their demands.
Ajaero provided context by recalling the tenure of the immediate past President, who increased the proposed minimum wage from ₦27,000 to ₦30,000. “We are hopeful that this President will do the right thing. The President noted that the difference between ₦62,000 and ₦250,000 is a wide gulf,” Ajaero said.
The NLC President criticized some governors for their stance on the minimum wage issue, highlighting the inconsistency in their positions. “How can any governor say he cannot pay? They cannot also be calling for the decentralization of the minimum wage,” he argued. Ajaero pointed out that governors receive uniform salaries and emoluments regardless of their state’s economic contributions or Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“Governors whose states are not contributing a dime to the national purse and who generate pitiable IGR are collecting the same amount as governors whose states are generating billions of dollars into the FAAC. They should decentralize their salaries and emoluments first,” he emphasized.
Ajaero praised the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, for setting a positive example by paying a minimum wage of ₦70,000. “This is the type of governor that should be emulated and not the lazy ones,” he remarked.
The NLC’s decision to hold off on strike action reflects a strategic approach to allow for continued dialogue and negotiation with the government. The labor union remains committed to securing a fair and livable wage for Nigerian workers, while also urging state governments to follow the lead of proactive governors like Obaseki.
As the nation awaits the President’s decision on the proposed minimum wage, the NLC’s measured response underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the economic challenges faced by workers across Nigeria.
