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Minimum Wage; You can never determine what you’ll pay as salaries – Labour slams Govs
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed the proposal by governors to determine the wages of their workers, condemning it as dictatorial and contrary to the principles of the minimum wage.
In a statement, the NLC cautioned state governors against making further provocative remarks regarding the minimum wage, warning that such actions could lead to industrial unrest.
Mr. Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, emphasized that continued delay in addressing the minimum wage issue may compel the labour union to initiate industrial action.
The NLC also called on President Bola Tinubu, who had pledged support for a living wage over a minimum wage, not to yield to pressure or manipulation by disloyal governors.
This stance comes after Southern governors recently advocated for states to negotiate their own wage rates.
Labour said: “NLC is compelled to address the recent statements made by some Nigerian Governors regarding their desire to pay what they deem fit to Nigerian workers as the minimum wage.
“This notion is not only dictatorial but also undermines the very essence as well as the model adopted for creating a national minimum wage in Nigeria.
“The concept of a national minimum wage is not arbitrary. It represents a national wage floor, a baseline below which no worker in the law should be paid. This threshold is a collective agreement that ensures a minimum standard of living for every worker in the law.
“The Governors’ demand to unilaterally determine the minimum wage negates this principle and threatens the welfare of Nigerian workers and the national economy.
“It is important to remind the Governors that the national minimum wage is not synonymous with the individual pay structures of the states which they implement religiously, reflecting their unique financial capabilities and circumstances.
“This diversity in pay structures underscores the flexibility that already exists within the system, allowing states to reward their workers in alignment with their financial realities.
“Furthermore, the Governors’ argument appears inconsistent when juxtaposed with the remuneration of political officeholders. Why is there no hue and cry when political officeholders across the nation receive uniform salaries as determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission?
“This double standard which pits a few privileged against the majority poor is an issue that should be of concern to those who love this country.
“We are deeply concerned by this blatant display of ignorance regarding the global best practices for a national minimum wage by some of these Governors
“It is evident that, despite their frequent travels abroad, they have deliberately chosen not to educate 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 of Nigerians. For this set of governors we recommend a return to school for proper education as they constitute a threat to our democracy.
“We must also use the opportunity to commend the forward-looking and progressively-minded governors (not in name but indeed) who take seriously the welfare of workers in their thoughts and policies. We will continue to identify, as well as work with them.
“The pursuit by many governors to pay workers whatever they like deepens poverty and causes varying dimensions of insecurity. The governors are carried away by their present structure of security detail but the sword of Damocles awaits them on exit from office.
“It is unfortunate that workers’ salaries are often seen as charity rather than the hard-earned income of hardworking Nigerians. It is equally painful that some of these governors fail to realise that workers salaries substantially drive the economy. Not surprisingly, they prioritise their greed over the need 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 numerous companies and organizations in Nigeria 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.
“We urge President Tinubu who had promised a living wage (which is superior to a minimum wage) not to allow himself be blackmailed or boxed into a corner by unpatriotic governors.
“We urge the federal government to stop dithering on the issue of the national minimum wage because of the gang up by some selfish governors.
“The NLC urges the Governors to abandon any inclination towards dictatorial practices as the process remains a tripartite one. Accordingly, we call for policies and actions driven by equity and fairness. Ensuring a fair minimum wage is not only a matter of economic justice but also a fundamental aspect of maintaining social stability and national cohesion. Nigerian workers should not be reduced to beggars! Enough is enough!
“NLC stands firm in its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers. We will continue to advocate for a fair and equitable wage system that reflects the true spirit of our nation’s values. We call on the Governors to join us in this commitment for the benefit of all Nigerians. Let democracy flourish.”
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ECOWAS Parliament Calls for Reforms to Address Multiple Crises In Sub-region
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Tinubu declines assent to bill seeking to extend National Assembly staff retirement age
By Francesca Hangeior.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withheld his assent to a bill that proposed extending the retirement age for legislative officers and staff of the National Assembly.
The bill aimed to increase the retirement age from 60 to 65 years or extend the length of service from 35 to 40 years, whichever came first.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to Make Provisions for the Retirement Age for Staff of the National Assembly and Related Matters,” the bill passed its second reading in October 2023.
Despite multiple attempts in the 7th, 8th, and 9th Assemblies, the bill had previously failed to pass.
Reintroduced in the 10th Assembly and sponsored by Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki (NNPP, Kano), the bill was finally passed by the House on December 20, 2023, but did not receive presidential approval.
Although the Senate initially rejected the bill, it backtracked and passed the bill on the 31st of March 2024 and was transmitted to the President for his assent.
Some of those who opposed the Bill believe that it will lead to stagnation through the rank, while those who supported the bill argued that it will promote efficiency and ensure that experience prevails
However, Tinubu in a letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, said he has decided to withhold his assent to the Bill.
He said his decision was informed by the consent which empowered him to take such an action.
The letter reads in part: “I write in respect of the harmonised retirement age for legislative officers of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bill passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to me for assent.
“Upon thorough examination and careful consultation, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill.
“This decision is made in accordance with the powers vested in me by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation of the diligent work of the Senate as regards the drafting and passage of this bill.
“However, I trust that this decision would be received with understanding and acceptance.”
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Nigerians struggling to survive due to harsh realities of inflation – Akpabio
By Francesca Hangeior.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the citizens are struggling to survive as a result of the courageous economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu.
In a welcome address to fellow Senators on Tuesday, marking their return from the annual recess, Akpabio noted that the National Assembly is fully aware of the economic struggles citizens face, including inflation, high living costs, and market volatility.
He expressed sympathy for Nigerians enduring these challenges but maintained that the current economic situation is not the fault of the Tinubu administration.
He, thereafter, sympathized with Nigerians for the harsh economic situation but claimed that the situation was not caused by the Tinubu-led administration.
He said, “In the face of rising economic pressures, our fellow citizens have been grappling with the harsh realities of inflation, soaring living costs, unpredictable markets and economic indices.
“The challenges have tested the very fabric of our society, and we stand together to express our deepest empathy for every Nigerian who may be buried in the brunt of the current reforms as a result of the need to reposition the economy for most of our country and take us out of the doldrums and the messy situation we met when we assumed office in 2023. We want Nigerians to know that their struggles are not lost on this side.”
He assured that the upper chamber would respond to the economic challenges of the country.
Akpabio said, “Our security duty, as your earnest representatives, remains to respond with the audacity and compassion that the current situation deserves.”
He, however, commended the president for the courageous reforms being carried out on the Nation’s economy which according to him, have started yielding fruits.
He stated, “Amidst these trials, we have also seen commendable strides in various sectors from the executive arm of government led by President Bola Tinubu. Our agricultural initiatives are beginning to bear fruits. The strides made in infrastructure can be seen by all, even starting from the federal capital territory.
“These glimmers of hope pave the way for a brighter future. The hard-won gains will not overshadow the pressing issues that still loom large before us.”
On insecurity, the Senate President assured that lawmakers will prioritise the security of people’s lives and properties.
He stated, “We must, as senators, prioritize the issues of security of our great nation, ensuring that every citizen can walk down any street in this country without fear.
“In the sense of such, insecurity in some parts of the country remains a source of concern for the Nigerian Senate. It is also a clear calling for us to double our efforts in crafting laws and taking decisive actions in the National Assembly to safeguard our communities. There cannot be development in the face of insecurity.”
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