The Traffic

"Labour Unions Stand Firm: Governors Can't Take Over Minimum Wage Negotiations"

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have rejected the bid by governors to take over negotiations on the minimum wage. According to the labour unions, the minimum wage is a national issue that falls under the purview of the federal government, not state governments.

Speaking on the matter, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, emphasized that the Minimum Wage Act is clear on the matter. "Governors don't have the power to negotiate the minimum wage. They can only negotiate other allowances," he stated.

Ajaero advised governors to prepare their balance sheets and implement the national minimum wage once approved, rather than attempting to negotiate with labour on a state level. He cited the examples of Zamfara and Anambra states, where governors initially refused to pay the current minimum wage of N30,000 until labour issued ultimatums.

The labour leader expressed skepticism about the intentions of some governors, describing them as "not labour-friendly" and "not pro-workers." He urged President Bola Tinubu to consult with organised labour and suggest a new minimum wage to the National Assembly.

This development highlights the ongoing tensions between labour unions and state governments over the minimum wage. As the negotiations continue, the fate of millions of Nigerian workers hangs in the balance. Will the governors' bid to take over negotiations be successful, or will labour unions prevail in their stance? Only time will tell.