The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members in states failing to implement the new national minimum wage to begin an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024. This decision, reached at the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting over the weekend, underscores the labor union’s frustration with state governments that have yet to comply with the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act,” the NLC said in a communique. The labor body condemned certain governors and officials for what it termed a “blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers,” adding that the lack of compliance reflects both a legal and moral failure.
The NLC announced the formation of a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee tasked with assessing and mobilizing efforts nationwide to demand wage justice. The union emphasized that all state councils where the minimum wage remains unimplemented by November 30 must initiate industrial action on December 1.
“Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” the statement continued.
In addition to minimum wage concerns, the NLC criticized petroleum marketers for allegedly inflating petrol prices, resulting in significant hardship for Nigerians. The NLC suggested that petrol prices currently exceed actual market value due to inflated costs and abnormal profit margins, warning of a potential collusion within the sector.
“The NEC-in-session noted with increasing dismay the shenanigans around the appropriate pricing of petrol (PMS) in Nigeria,” the communique stated, further asserting that large players in the industry may be exploiting the situation to maximize profits. The union called for the immediate activation of domestic public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to end what it described as a “monopolistic stranglehold” by major industry players.
On the broader economic front, the NLC expressed deep concern over rising inflation, escalating costs of basic necessities, and the intensifying economic hardship faced by Nigerian citizens. The union demanded that the federal government implement comprehensive social protection measures, including affordable healthcare and a living wage that reflects current economic conditions.
“We call for a wage review across the nation and a review of policies that have rather emasculated the Nigerian people,” the NLC concluded, urging substantial interventions to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
As December approaches, the looming strike poses a serious challenge for states yet to enforce the new minimum wage and adds urgency to the ongoing national debate over economic policies affecting millions across the country.
