NLC Orders Nationwide Strike Over Unpaid Minimum Wage, Fuel Price Surge

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members in states yet to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage to commence an indefinite strike on December 1, 2024.

The decision comes after the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, where frustrations mounted over the ongoing delay by several state governments in enforcing the new wage law.

In a strongly worded communiqué, the NLC condemned the “persistent delay and outright refusal” by some state governors to pay workers in accordance with the newly enacted National Minimum Wage Act, calling it a direct violation of the law and a betrayal of Nigerian workers.

The union expressed outrage at the “blatant disregard” for the dignity of millions of citizens who continue to suffer amid rising economic difficulties.

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“The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship,” the NLC stated.

The NLC also announced the formation of a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will spearhead a nationwide campaign to mobilize and sensitize citizens on the importance of resisting any further assault on workers’ rights.

The committee will also assess the level of compliance by state governments and lead industrial actions in non-compliant areas.

“The NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria,” the communiqué added.

The union also expressed concern over the rising cost of living, particularly the high price of petrol, accusing petroleum marketers of exploiting Nigerians with inflated prices.

According to the NLC, the discrepancy between the actual market price of petrol and the inflated costs being charged by marketers is exacerbating the already dire economic situation.

The union has called on the federal government to expedite the reactivation of domestic refineries to reduce dependence on foreign importers and bring relief to consumers.

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The NLC’s concerns are compounded by inflation, which has pushed the cost of basic goods and services out of reach for many workers.

The Labour Congress is urging the government to review workers’ wages to reflect the true cost of living and implement social protection policies to shield vulnerable Nigerians from deepening poverty.

“We call for the implementation of comprehensive social protection policies that shield Nigerians from poverty, provide affordable healthcare, and ensure a wage that reflects the true cost of living,” the NLC said in the communiqué.