The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to state governors against adopting dictatorial attitudes following recent remarks by some governors about setting their own minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
“This notion is not only dictatorial but also undermines the very essence and model adopted for creating a national minimum wage in Nigeria,” stated NLC spokesperson Benson Upah in a statement made available to journalist on Friday.
Explaining the concept of a national minimum wage, Upah emphasized that it is not an arbitrary decision. “It represents a national wage floor, a baseline below which no worker should be paid by law.
This threshold is a collective agreement that ensures a minimum standard of living for every worker.
The governors’ demand to unilaterally determine the minimum wage negates this principle and threatens the welfare of Nigerian workers and the national economy.”
Upah also reminded the governors that the national minimum wage is distinct from the individual pay structures of the states, which are implemented based on each state’s unique financial capabilities and circumstances.
He noted that the diversity in pay structures already underscores the system’s flexibility, allowing states to reward their workers in alignment with their financial realities.
“Furthermore, the governors’ argument appears inconsistent when juxtaposed with the remuneration of political officeholders.
Why is there no hue and cry when political officeholders across the nation receive uniform salaries as determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission?
These double standards, which pit a few privileged against the majority poor, should concern those who love this country,” he said.
The NLC expressed deep concern over what it termed a “blatant display of ignorance” by some governors regarding global best practices for national minimum wages.
Upah pointed out that despite their frequent travels abroad, these governors have chosen not to educate themselves on fundamental global issues crucial to successful governance.
“This level of self-imposed ignorance on basic industrial relations matters clearly illustrates why our nation is poorly governed, resulting in unacceptable suffering for Nigerians.
For this set of governors, we recommend a return to school for proper education as they constitute a threat to our democracy,” he stated.
Upah warned that the pursuit by many governors to pay workers whatever they like only deepens poverty and contributes to various forms of insecurity.
He criticized the governors for prioritizing their greed over the needs of ordinary citizens, noting that workers’ salaries are often seen as charity rather than the hard-earned income of hardworking Nigerians.
He added that workers’ salaries substantially drive the economy.
“The fate of Nigerian workers cannot be left solely in the hands of employers, whether public or private. No sane society does that.
What the governors are asking for is akin to allowing numerous companies and organizations in Nigeria to pay workers whatever they like.
While these companies may not pay the same salaries, they must adhere to the national wage floor, and the same should apply to state governors,” Upah concluded.
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