By Hamilton Nwosa(Head, The New Diplomat’s Polling, Research & Data desk)
Many states in the federation may soon grind to a halt following the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to workers to proceed on strike over unpaid minimum wage. The congress also called on the federal government to urgently address insecurity nationwide.
The New Diplomat investigations show that about half of the 36 states in the federation are yet to implement the N30,000 minimum wage.
A statement issued at the end of NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting signed by NLC President, Dr. Ayuba Wabba and General Secretary, Mr. Emma Ugboaja, said among other resolutions: “The NEC also resolved to view the refusal to pay the new national minimum wage by state governments as demanded by the law as an act of criminality, betrayal of the oath of office sworn by state chief executives and a dangerous adventure in anarchy.
“The NEC-in-Session directed all states where the national minimum wage of N30,000 is yet to be paid to immediately proceed on industrial action.”
NLC added that it would take drastic action against state governments that have failed to pay the new national minimum wage and minimum pension.
Labour also urged the federal government to quickly address the modalities of determining the pump price of petrol to forestall any hike in its price.
It faulted the deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry, noting that being import-driven, it has negatively impacted on the welfare of the masses of Nigerians.
It called for the urgent rehabilitation of local refineries to check incessant increases in the pump price of petrol.
Also speaking on widespread insecurity, It tasked the federal government to live up to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, since it derives its legitimacy therefrom.
It demanded a review of the power sector privatisation programme, since the law provides for one every two years.
On the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), accused of trampling on workers’ rights, the NLC resolved to mobilise workers to picket the national headquarters of the CAC for three days.
The NEC also resolved to issue a 14-day ultimatum to the management of Turkish Airline and Caverton Helicopter to reinstate all sacked trade union executives and desist from further anti-union action.
It called on banks to stop the practice of imposing unrealistic revenue targets on their employees, especially the females.
