The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has set a deadline of December 1, 2024, for state governments to implement the new minimum wage of N70,000, warning of an indefinite strike in states that fail to comply. The NLC accused fuel marketers of inflating petrol prices, asserting that the current pump price is well above its true market value, leading to exploitation and economic hardship for Nigerians.
In a statement released after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Sunday, the NLC cited severe economic challenges in the country and urged a review of policies it labeled as “anti-people.” The NLC expressed concern over the slow adoption of the new minimum wage, despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the increase in July 2024. While over 20 states have announced its implementation, others have yet to comply.
“The NEC, therefore, resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will, among others, commence a nationwide assessment, mobilisation and sensitisation campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.
“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria. To this end, all state councils where the national minimum wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” the communique read.
The NLC also highlighted irregularities in fuel pricing, noting, “The NEC-in-session noted with increasing dismay the shenanigans around the appropriate pricing of petrol in Nigeria. It observed that there may be a gang-up against Nigerians by fat cats in the industry as the current price of the product is significantly higher than the real market price.
“Padding of costs and abnormal margins seems to be the order of the day considering the revelations from the ongoing controversy between Marketers and Dangote group. It is entirely possible that Nigerian workers and masses are being ripped off by those who control the levers of economic power in Nigeria which explains why the domestic public refineries may not immediately be allowed to come on stream.
“NLC demands appropriate pricing of petrol and calls for the Public domestic refineries in PH, Warri and Kaduna to quickly come back on stream,” it added.
