By Daniel Edu
As Nigeria initiates vital zonal public hearings to determine a new minimum wage, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) chapters in Ogun and Katsina states are urging that the minimum wage remain within the exclusive legislative list. This significant call comes on the first day of hearings, aiming to gather input from various stakeholders to adjust the national minimum wage in light of current economic conditions.
Akeem Lasisi, the Chairman of the Ogun State TUC, refrained from specifying the exact figure the union is advocating for but stressed the importance of adhering to the International Labour Organization’s conventions on labor remuneration. Lasisi emphasized the removal of the clause restricting the minimum wage to employers with 50 workers, calling for universal coverage. He also urged compliance with Convention 131 of the International Labour Organization.
In Katsina State, NLC Chairman Husseini Hamisu confirmed the council’s participation in the public hearing, with the state TUC chairman, Muntari Lawal, presenting a proposal for a fitting minimum wage. Both emphasized the need for the national minimum wage to remain on the exclusive list.
Muritala Olayinka, the Kwara State NLC Chairman, asserted that workers’ wages should be determined by the Federal Government, with allowances varying from state to state. He called for simultaneous implementation at the federal and state levels to avoid delays.
Sokoto State Commissioner for Information, Sambo Danchadi, expressed the state government’s indecision on moving the minimum wage to the concurrent list, while Kano State Commissioner of Information, Baba Dantiye, stated that the matter would be brought before the State Executive Council for deliberation.
Labor leaders from Kebbi, Bayelsa, Benue, Kano, Ekiti, Rivers, and Delta affirmed their attendance at the meetings, with plans to present their proposals. Murtala Usman, Kebbi state NLC Chairman, indicated their readiness for the upcoming meeting in Kano, emphasizing the importance of presenting their demands during the hearing. In Benue, labor leaders stated their intent to present their demands to the committee during the sitting.
