NLC President Calls Out Governors on Minimum Wage Committee for Non-Compliance

Joe Ajaero, the head of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), raised concerns on a recent TV show about the commitment of most governors involved in the 37-member minimum wage committee to adhere to the proposed salary standards. This committee, spearheaded by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja, aims to guarantee a fair living wage in line with the National Minimum Wage Act of 2019. However, Ajaero pointed out an irony: many governors on the panel are known for not fully implementing the minimum wage laws they’re supposed to champion.

The NLC President’s comments shed light on a troubling trend. While the committee’s formation was intended to ensure workers receive a decent pay, the selection of members, mainly governors who have been lax in complying with wage laws, raises questions. Ajaero highlighted the situation in states like Zamfara and mentioned uncertainties about the wage standards in Borno and Bauchi, emphasizing the legal requirement for a wage review every five years established by the 2019 Minimum Wage Act.

Ajaero’s call for accountability is clear, especially when he challenges the payment practices in Anambra State, where he claims even high-ranking officials may not receive salaries that reflect the law’s intent. His remarks underscore the broader challenges in enforcing labor laws across Nigeria, pointing to a need for more rigorous enforcement and representation of compliant states in decision-making processes.

Backdrop of the Minimum Wage Communittee

In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu authorised the creation of a tripartite committee tasked with examining the implementation of a new minimum wage for workers in Nigeria. This initiative, outlined in a letter from Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to NLC’s Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji, represents a step towards addressing the labor unions’ calls for wage adjustments amidst rising living costs.

The committee is set to be inaugurated at the Presidential Villa, reflecting an effort to engage with the challenges presented by the economic situation, including the effects of fuel subsidy removal. Since June 2023, labor leaders have been advocating for an increase in the minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000 to better reflect current economic conditions. This move towards revisiting the minimum wage, last updated in April 2019, suggests a recognition of the need to reevaluate workers’ remuneration in light of the changing economic landscape in Nigeria.