The Nigeria Labour Congress has directed members in states that have yet to implement the new minimum wage to begin an indefinite strike on December 1, 2024, citing the delay as a “blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers.”
Following a National Executive Council meeting held over the weekend, the NLC conveyed disappointment with specific states for neglecting the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“The actions of some governors and officials represent a betrayal that contradicts both legal and ethical standards.
“It shows a clear disrespect for the law and the lives of countless Nigerian workers, who are being taken advantage of by the leaders who promised to safeguard them,” the NLC declared.
In response to this, the NLC has established a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will initiate a national campaign aimed at educating and rallying workers to “counter this attack on their dignity and rights.”
It said state councils that do not fully comply with the minimum wage by the conclusion of November should take action on December 1.
“Nigerian workers seek justice, and justice they will receive,” the statement stated.
In another related event, the NLC charged petroleum marketers with artificially hiked fuel prices to stop taking advantage of Nigerians.
“The NEC noted that there could be a collusion against Nigerians by industry elites, as the present price of the product is markedly above the true market value,” it stated.
It called on the Federal Government to reactivate public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to decrease monopolistic dominance in the fuel sector, which it asserted was exacerbating the economic strain on the populace.
