The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned state governors against exhibiting dictatorial tendencies concerning the minimum wage. This follows recent statements by some governors expressing a desire to set their own minimum wage rates for Nigerian workers.
“This notion is not only dictatorial but also undermines the very essence and model adopted for creating a national minimum wage in Nigeria,” said NLC spokesperson Benson Upah in a statement released in Abuja.
Upah explained that the national minimum wage is a collective agreement representing a baseline below which no worker should be paid. “This threshold ensures a minimum standard of living for every worker. The governors’ demand to unilaterally determine the minimum wage negates this principle and threatens the welfare of Nigerian workers and the national economy,” he stated.
He emphasized that the national minimum wage is not synonymous with the individual pay structures of states, which reflect their unique financial capabilities and circumstances. Upah pointed out that the diversity in pay structures already allows states flexibility to reward their workers according to their financial realities.
Upah also criticized the inconsistency between governors’ attitudes towards the minimum wage and the uniform salaries of political officeholders as determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission. “These double standards, which pit a few privileged against the majority poor, should concern those who love this country,” he said.
The NLC expressed deep concern over what it termed a “blatant display of ignorance” regarding global best practices for national minimum wage by some governors. Upah noted that despite their frequent travels abroad, many governors have not educated themselves on fundamental global issues crucial to successful governance. “This level of self-imposed ignorance on basic industrial relations matters clearly illustrates why our nation is poorly governed, resulting in unacceptable suffering for Nigerians,” he added.
The NLC warned that allowing governors to pay workers as they please would deepen poverty and increase insecurity. Upah stressed that workers’ salaries are crucial for driving the economy and criticized governors for prioritizing their greed over the needs of ordinary citizens.
“The fate of Nigerian workers cannot be left solely in the hands of employers, whether public or private. No sane society does that. What the governors are asking for is akin to allowing companies and organizations to pay workers whatever they like. While these companies may not pay the same salaries, they must adhere to the national wage floor, and the same should apply to state governors,” Upah concluded.
