The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed its disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s recent statement declaring an imminent review of the minimum wage.
In a speech released on Monday night, the NLC emphasized that the review of the minimum wage is mandated by law and is scheduled to commence in 2024.
The Congress accused the Tinubu administration of lacking cooperation and dialogue with organized labor members.
NLC’s national president, Joe Ajaero, signed the statement, which highlighted the disparity between the treatment of private sector employees and public workers by the Federal Government.
While President Tinubu praised the private sector for promptly implementing wage awards to their employees, the NLC expressed disappointment that the government failed to do the same for public workers.
The NLC called this a clear case of the government not living up to the standards it expects from others.
The NLC also raised concerns about the current economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers, including hyperinflation and suffering caused by the sudden removal of the petrol subsidy.
The Congress questioned how workers would cope until 2024 when the national minimum wage is scheduled to be reviewed.
Ajaero further highlighted the lack of progress in negotiations, stating that the Federal Government has not shown a firm commitment to negotiate in good faith with labor.
The sub-committee on wage award has not been inaugurated or convened, leaving organized labor to negotiate with empty chairs on the government’s side.
The NLC’s criticism reflects the growing frustration among workers and labor unions over the delay in addressing their wage concerns and the need for transparent and timely negotiations with the government.