Regina Otokpa 
…caution governors against dictatorial tendencies
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow himself to be blackmailed or fall for the gang-up by some state governors advocating a diversity in minimum wage, pay structures.
Reacting to the intentions of some state governors to pay what they deem fit to Nigerian workers as minimum wage, the union warned that such a motion was not only dictatorial but undermines the very essence and model adopted for creating a national minimum wage in Nigeria.
A statement signed by NLC’s Head Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah on Friday in Abuja, maintained that the Governors’ demand to unilaterally determine the minimum wage negates the principle of collective agreement and threatens the welfare of Nigerian workers as well as the national economy.
While regretting that workers’ salaries were often seen as charity rather than the hard-earned income of hardworking Nigerians, Congress while cautioning governors to desist from dictatorial tendencies, further warned that governors paying workers whatever they like would only deepen poverty and cause varying dimensions of insecurity.
The statement partly reads: “It is unfortunate that workers’ salaries are often seen as 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 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 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!
“Finally, 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.”
