By Uzair Adam
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed an indefinite strike across states that have not implemented the 2024 Minimum Wage Act, effective December 1, 2024.
The Daily Reality gathered that the directive came after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, last Friday.
In a communique issued on Sunday, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero highlighted the union’s dissatisfaction with the delay or refusal by certain states to adopt the new minimum wage, viewing it as a violation of workers’ rights.
The strike order will apply to all state councils where the minimum wage remains unimplemented as of November 30, 2024.
The NEC communique expressed concerns over escalating inflation, economic hardships, and rising costs of living, all of which have severely impacted Nigerian workers.
It called for a comprehensive wage review and immediate intervention to ease citizens’ suffering. Additionally, the NLC emphasized the need for reforms in Nigeria’s energy and fuel sectors, including enhanced transparency in fuel pricing and reactivating domestic refineries to stabilize costs.
The communique criticized some state leaders, stating, “This betrayal by certain governors and officials disregards both legality and morality, denying workers their rightful earnings amidst worsening economic hardship.”
To ensure compliance, the NLC has set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will launch campaigns to mobilize workers and citizens against what the union termed an assault on workers’ dignity.