By Abigail Philip David
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given state governments a deadline of December 1, 2024, to implement the newly approved minimum wage. The NLC also accused fuel marketers of price gouging, alleging that the current petrol pump prices are far above actual market value, thereby intensifying the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
In a communique issued on Sunday after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the NLC highlighted the worsening economic strain across the country and called for a review of what it described as “anti-people” policies. It further directed state councils in non-compliant states to begin an indefinite strike from December 1, if the new minimum wage is not adopted.
President Bola Tinubu approved an increase in the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 in July 2024. Although over 20 states have started implementing the new wage, some have yet to adopt it. While a few states have pledged to meet the federal standard, others have gone further, offering to pay above the mandated amount.
The NLC resolved to establish a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee tasked with nationwide assessments and mobilization efforts, encouraging workers to resist any infringement on their rights. “All state councils where the minimum wage has not been fully implemented by November 30 are instructed to commence strike actions from December 1,” the communique stated. “Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have.”
The NLC also expressed concern over petrol pricing, asserting that inflated prices were the result of “a possible collusion within the industry.” It alleged that high margins and padded costs may be to blame for the discrepancies, pointing to recent conflicts between fuel marketers and the Dangote Group as evidence of unfair practices. The NLC urged that government-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna be swiftly reopened to address fuel supply issues and help stabilize prices.
The organization emphasized its commitment to holding both fuel marketers and the government accountable to ease the economic pressures on citizens and ensure fair treatment for Nigerian workers.
