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NLC Announces Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Minimum Wage and Economic Hardship

Written by Jerry Alomatu on November 11, 2024

News Views: 328

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its intent to initiate an indefinite strike from December 1, 2024, in states where the newly implemented N70,000 minimum wage has not been fully enforced.

This decision was made during the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the NLC expressing frustration over the non-implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act by certain state governments.

The NLC described the delay as a betrayal of workers’ rights, condemning both the legal and moral implications of denying workers their rightful wages amid Nigeria’s worsening economic situation.

In a communiqué, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, highlighted the agency’s resolve to confront what it called a “blatant disregard for the law” and warned that the strike would escalate until the minimum wage was fully implemented across the country.

The NLC also unveiled plans to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will undertake a nationwide assessment to sensitize workers and mobilize efforts to ensure compliance.

The NLC also expressed deep concern over the accelerating economic hardship in Nigeria, where inflation has led to the rising costs of basic necessities. Millions of Nigerians are being driven into poverty, with some facing impossible choices between feeding their families and accessing healthcare.

The NLC urged the Federal Government to take immediate and concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of citizens, emphasizing the need for comprehensive social protection policies and a review of wages that reflect the real cost of living.

In addition, the NLC condemned the withholding of revenue allocations meant for Rivers State workers, a situation that has been exacerbated by ongoing political tensions in the state.

The NLC expressed solidarity with the workers and people of Rivers State and demanded an immediate resolution to ensure the continued flow of the state’s rightful federal allocations. The NLC warned that failure to address this issue could destabilize governance and lead to further escalation.

The communiqué also raised alarm over the growing erosion of democratic norms in the country, citing increasing arrests and detentions of protestors and political dissenters. The NLC called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the release of all detained protesters and create safeguards to prevent future human rights violations.

The NLC also acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease transportation costs for workers but pointed out that the provision was insufficient. They called for more CNG buses and better infrastructure for fueling and maintenance to make transportation affordable for Nigerian workers.

The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights and improving their welfare, signaling that the union would take all necessary actions to secure a fair and just future for Nigerian workers.