Labor unions have rejected the assertion made by state governors, represented by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), that they cannot afford a minimum wage of N60,000. They urge the governors not to push the country into a major crisis.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), a staunch advocate for fair wages, has spoken out on behalf of labor, accusing the governors of not being truthful about their financial resources. The NLC’s role in this discourse is crucial, as it ensures that the concerns of the labor force are being heard and represented.
The governors had stated that the proposed N60,000 minimum wage by the federal government was unrealistic. According to a statement by the Acting Director of Media Affairs and Public Relations of NGF, Halima Ahmed, many states would exhaust their monthly allocations from the federation account if such a wage were implemented.
However, Benson Upah, the Head of Information and Public Affairs of the NLC, countered this argument, stating that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations have increased from N700 billion to N1.2 trillion. This increase in funds, he argued, should enable the governors to pay more than N60,000 as a minimum wage.
Upah emphasized that the governors’ claim of inability to pay the proposed minimum wage is unfounded, pointing out the substantial increase in FAAC allocations. He suggested that the governors should focus on reducing the high cost of governance, tackling corruption, and prioritizing workers’ welfare to afford a reasonable minimum wage.
The NLC clarified that a national minimum wage is essential to protect the vulnerable and ensure fair pay nationwide. They highlighted the impact of economic factors such as inflation and exchange rates on the value of the minimum wage, stressing the need for a wage increase to address rising living costs.
In conclusion, the NLC urged the governors to reconsider their position and avoid harming workers and the national economy by paying an inadequate minimum wage.
