NLC Laments Non-Implementation of New Minimum Wage by Some State Governors

Workers Face Financial Strain Despite Wage Increase

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed strong disapproval over the failure of some state governors to implement the new minimum wage and consequential adjustments for workers.

NLC President Joe Ajaero raised these concerns during the 6th National Gender Conference organized by the NLC National Women Commission in Abuja on Tuesday. The conference theme was “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality: Imperative for a new NLC Gender Policy.”

Workers Worse Off Despite Wage Increase

Mr. Ajaero revealed that due to taxes and inflation, some workers now receive less take-home pay than before the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage. He described the situation as “grossly unbearable,” noting that rising costs of electricity tariffs, school fees, and transportation are eroding workers’ purchasing power.

“If you want to be a serious worker and go to work for 24 days or 20 days a month, the N70,000 will disappear. That’s a fact today,” Ajaero stated.

Implementation Issues Across States

The NLC president criticized the poor implementation of the minimum wage policy, calling it “the worst crime I have ever seen.” He noted that some states had only added N5,000 to workers’ salaries, rendering the consequential adjustment meaningless.

Ajaero expressed disappointment that the NLC wasn’t consulted during the consequential adjustment negotiations at the federal level, leading to workers being “short-changed.” He added that many federal civil servants haven’t formally reported their salary complaints to the NLC leadership.

Gender Equality Challenges in the Workplace

Salamatu Aliu, Chairperson of NLC’s Women’s Commission, highlighted ongoing challenges faced by women workers, including discrimination, abuse, and harassment. Represented by Deputy Chairperson Deborah Yusuf, Aliu noted women continue to face relegation to lower-status, lower-paid jobs and underrepresentation in leadership roles.

The NLC is currently updating its Gender Policy to address these issues and promote greater female participation in trade unions and decision-making processes.

ILO Commits to Supporting Gender Equality

Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director to Nigeria, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to workers’ rights and gender equality. Represented by Senior Programme Officer Chinyere Emeka-Anuna, Phala pledged ILO’s support for NLC’s gender equality initiatives as part of global sustainable development goals.

For more details, read the original article on Daily Nigerian.