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Tag: Organised labour

  • ‘Bridge rich, poor gap’

    ‘Bridge rich, poor gap’

    Organised Labour has called on the Federal Government to bridge the growing gulf between the rich and poor in the country.

    It warned that current economic and monetary policies are disproportionately punishing the masses.

    At the 2025 Pre-May Day Symposium held in Lagos yesterday, labour leaders stated that the ongoing reforms have further impoverished and already vulnerable segments of society, depriving them of the ability to withstand the harsh economic realities.

    Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos Council, Gbenga Ekundayo, emphasised that while all Nigerians feel the pinch of the reforms, the burden is heaviest on the poor.

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    “The challenges of the reforms are very profound, even for the rich. So, it is something that cuts across everybody. But, as I said, it is easier for the rich, in most cases, to absorb these shocks than the poor. The reforms on the economy, by their nature, impact more on the poor than the rich. Government should find a way to close the gap,” Ekundayo said.

    He noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) attempts to control inflation by mopping up excess liquidity have not yielded the desired results, as economic inequalities continue to deepen.

    “Much more money is now being controlled by the rich, and the plight of the poor continues to worsen,” he added.

    Former TUC National Deputy President, Oyinkansola Olasanoye, dismissed wage increases as a viable solution to the current crisis, warning that inflation has outpaced any potential benefit.

    “Having more money does not translate to quality of life; rather, there should be a focus on the purchasing power of the naira. In other words, it is not the volume of money in one’s hands that matters, but what the money can buy,” she said.

    She urged the government to focus more on providing basic infrastructure such as housing, healthcare, and transportation, rather than relying solely on salary reviews.

    Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos Council, Funmi Sessi, decried the worsening conditions faced by workers, noting that hunger now ravages millions, while insecurity continues to escalate.

    “Nigerians are left wondering where their next meals will come from and what tomorrow might bring. The government has made significant strides, but there is no doubt that people are suffering, and protests are rising. The Federal Government needs to act swiftly to adjust its policies to alleviate the burden on the masses,” she said.

    Speaking on the theme of the symposium, “Reclaiming the Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship,” Secretary, TUC Lagos Council, Abiodun Aladetan, said the theme was chosen to reflect the dire conditions facing Nigerian workers.

    “The expectations of the workers were high, with the hope that things would get better. But as it is now, the reverse is the case. In fact, things are even getting worse. These, and many other issues, are what we intend to address,” he said.

  • Our expectations from govt, by Organised labour

    Our expectations from govt, by Organised labour

    This year, the organised labour is expecting the Federal Government to look into its various economic policies and address their impact on workers. TOBA AGBOOLA writes.

    THE Organised Labour has outlined workers’ expectations for the year. They want the Federal, state, and local governments to address pressing socio-economic issues.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) are calling on the government to ensure that policies are not only drafted with honest intentions to make life better for Nigerians, but also that they should be without nepotism and strong-arm tactics.

    In their new year messages, the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Festus Osifo, harped on the need for policy shifts, with the reduction of the exchange rate, industrial peace, respect for the rule of law, and adherence to last year’s National Minimum Wage Act taking the centre stage.

    They highlighted the importance of policies that deliver tangible benefits to citizens, as well as the principles of transparency, honesty, and inclusivity in governance.

    Both unions also said labour would not hesitate to demand wage review as the economy continues to impact on workers purchasing power.

    Ajaero stressed the critical role of industrial harmony, urging the Federal Government to engage with labour unions.

    “As we move into 2025, we urge the Federal Government to prioritise industrial peace by taking social dialogue seriously, pursuing pro-human-progress policies, and respecting agreements with trade unions.The increasing use of violence in engagements with workers and unions must cease, as it is a recipe for industrial disharmony,” he said.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of trade unions to national progress while emphasising their responsibility to workers and citizens.

    “Trade unions, as a pan-people organisation, remain committed partners in progress, striving for the development of Nigeria while protecting the rights of workers and citizens at large. We have a very large stake in our nation and are compelled to seek optimal outcomes from government policies.While we urge governments to govern well, they must understand that we are responsible to our members, and that we cannot shirk,” Ajaero stated.

    He called for full compliance with last year’s National Minimum Wage Act and proposed a wage review to address economic realities.

    “Governments at all levels must comply with the provisions of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act from the beginning of the year. Furthermore, given the economic realities imposed by recent government policies, we shall engage the government for a wage review to safeguard workers’ welfare. Our nation will become more productive when workers’ incomes meet their basic needs, enabling them to commit more to their work. We look forward to fruitful engagements with our social partners on this matter in 2025,” he added.

    Ajaero further urged governments to ensure that governance translates into real benefits for citizens.

    “The welfare of citizens remains the primary justification for the existence of any government. Access to food and nutrition, better healthcare, quality housing, education, transportation, and greater security of lives and properties, including the right to participate in decisions on how they are ruled, are key expectations. Policies must reflect transparency, honesty, and inclusivity, devoid of chicanery, nepotism, and strong-arm tactics,” he noted.

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    Osifo, on the other hand, called for a redoubling of efforts to tackle economic hardship, emphasising the need for practical policies to ease the burden on Nigerians.

    “As 2025 begins, we expect governments at all levels to redouble their efforts at addressing economic hardships for the safety of everyone. The government must consider how its policies affect the micro-economy of Nigerians because that is what affects you and me,” Osifo stated.

    He stressed the importance of food security and urged governments to make significant investments in agriculture.

    “It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the welfare of its citizens is prioritised. Today, hunger is excruciating, and we strongly believe that with strong collaboration between the federal, state, and local governments, policies can be created to ensure that farmers return to their fields. More importantly, the government must ensure security across Nigeria,” Osifo said.

    He also pointed out the adverse impact of the exchange rate on the economy, criticising the 2025 budget projection of N1,500 to a dollar.

    “When we saw in the 2025 budget that the government moved the exchange rate from what it was in the last budget to N1,500, we were not happy. With an exchange rate of N1,500, the prices of goods and services will not come down. If the exchange rate were reduced to N1,000 or N1,200, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) implemented policies to encourage a downward trend, high costs would reduce, giving hope for a better future,” Osifo stated.

    Osifo also explained that there were plans to advocate an increase of the N70,000 minimum wage to reflect inflation rates.

    He noted that workers’ wages should rise in tandem with inflation each year, rather than waiting for five years between increases.

    The TUC president insisted that instead of the government waiting for five years to increase the minimum wage, it should look at the inflation of the last five years and make some adjustments.

    Both leaders reiterated their commitment to engaging the government in the year to ensure that policies translate into real, positive impacts on the lives of Nigerians.

  • Oil subsidy removal: Organised labour expresses mixed reactions

    • NECA urges Fed Govt to remove subsidy

    • Oil workers say it’s attempt to destabilise the country

    Against the backdrop of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) call for the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, the oganised labour has expressed mixed reactions over the issue.

    While the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) backed the fuel subsidy removal, both the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) warned that its removal would be clearly seen as an attempt to destabilise the nation.

    They also expressed concern at the corruption in fuel subsidy regime and the nation’s increasing debt profile.

    Speaking with The Nation,  NECA’s Director-General, Mr. Timothy Olawale, said: “Like a sore that has refused to heal, the recurrent issue of fuel scarcity has reared up its ugly head again. We are where we are today because despite past sound counsel, the government has not been faithful to the deregulation of the Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) segment of the downstream oil and gas sector.

    “Let us ponder and ask ourselves where the non-deregulation of the petroleum sector has led our economy: continued dependence on offshore sources for petroleum products supply, perennial shortage of petroleum products, loss of productive man-hours as a result of endless hours spent at filling stations, massive and unimaginable corruptions in the management of the subsidy dispensation, etc.”. All these, he averred, are not sustainable.

    Giving insight into the need for urgent deregulation of the downstream oil sector, the  NECA boss said over the last decade, the country has spent over N9trillion on fuel subsidy, about N15.5 trillion on capital expenditure, N2.1trillion on health and about N3.9 trillion on education, adding that this is a misplacement of priority and has shown that critical developmental items such as education, health and infrastructure have suffered due to the expenditure on fuel subsidy.

    He said the fuel subsidy regime has succeeded in creating phony and emergency billionaires at the expense of millions of pauperised Nigerians.

    Olawale expressed concern at the nation’s growing debt stock, with huge percentage of the budget, over the last decade going to debt servicing.

    He said: “Borrowing could have been permissive, given the state of the economy in 2015, but not to the clearly humongous level it has turned out to be. Incurring debt for developmental purposes is not in question, but the over N24.39 trillion debt stocks, taking over 20 per cent of annual national budget to service, should be enough source of worry. Though the argument of debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio is tenable, the IMF warned that Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio, though good, was risky and cannot be guaranteed going forward.

    Workers, under the umbrella of NUPENG and PENGASSAN, said imposing more stringent reforms on domestic revenue mobilisation, including  increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) and securing more domestic oil revenues through subsidy removal in the present circumstance, among others, would not be in Nigerians’ interest.

    In a statement signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Mr. Okugbawa Lumumba and NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the unions said: “The leadership of NUPENG and PENGASSAN read with serious concerns and worries the reported statement made by the IMF  media chief for Africa on the state of Nigeria’s economy and the unsolicited poisonous advice on further recovery of the nation’s economy.”

    According to the oil workers’ unions, the statement by IMF has created panic in the country with associated hoarding of petroleum products, panic buying, and skyrocketing increases in prices of goods and services in the country.

    “Clearly, IMF is speaking from the two sides of its mouth. In one breath, the media chief praised the significant progress the nation has made in terms of its GDP that increased by 1.9 per cent in 2018, from 0.8 per cent in 2017 on the back of improvement in manufacturing and other economic policies of the government, while on the other hand offering poisonous advice on further economic recovery,” the unions stated.

    The oil workers said it was bewildering and baffling that IMF was not considering the pains and agonies Nigerians went through even to achieve the acknowledged gains of last year, with almost two-thirds of the world’s hungriest people among Nigerians.

    The unions said the statement credited to IMF was loaded with poisons, considering the antecedents of IMF in the country’s economic challenges over the decades.

    They noted that the various devaluation of the currency on the strength of advice of the IMF has been a very big burden on the nation for several years.

    “The leadership of NUPENG and PENGASSAN are aware of what Nigerians are going through. We empathise with them and will not turn blind eyes to any further attempt to increase their pains and impoverish them further,” the unions warned.

    The oil workers said they appreciated the efforts, commitment and determination of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to put Nigeria in the right economic stead after several years of economic maladministration and mismanagement.

  • Minimum wage: Buhari promised to study report, says Minister

    The Federal Government on Wednesday clarified the position of the President on the new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers saying the President will study the recommendation submitted to him by the committee before making government position officially known.

    Briefing state House Correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said what was presented to the President was a recommendation which he promised to study and get back to the committee.

    Organised Labour had suspended its planned nationwide industrial action after the conclusion of the work of the tripartite Committee which recommended N30, 000 as the new national minimum wage.

    While submitting its report to the President, Chairman of the Committee, Ms. Ama Pepple told the President that after extensive deliberations, the committee was recommending N30, 000 which organised labour said was a compromised figure.

    While receiving the report, President Buhari promised to send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly on the recommendation as soon as possible for consideration and approval, but he was silent on whether he endorsed the N30, 000 new wage.

    Asked to clarify the position of government in the issue, the Minister of Information said the president will study the recommendation and get back to the Tripartite Committee.
    According to him, “I think it was a recommendation. Mr. President will consider it and will make his views known in due course.”

    Pressed further, he added: “I said a recommendation was submitted. Mr. President will get back to the committee after he has studied the recommendation.”

    On whether the revenue sharing formula might be reviewed if the new minimum wage is approved to enable the states to pay, the Minister stated: “Once again, like I said, a recommendation has been made and in responding to the recommendation, all these views will be taken into consideration.”

  • Ngige: we won’t restrain organised labour activities

    THE Federal Government yesterday assured that it will not restrain the activities of organised labour, but will continue to engage them in dialogue.

    Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Chris Ngige spoke in Abuja, when a delegation of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) visited him.

    Ngige, in a statement signed by his Director of Press, Mr. Samuel Olowookere, said government “does not believe in curbing the activities of the organised labour union”.

    According to him, Section 40 of the constitution allows for freedom of association.

    “It is the same law that gave birth to the formation of political parties that also empowered the formation of labour unions, hence President Muhammadu Buhari will never tamper with the activities of the unions.

    “The Federal Government is committed to working in synergy with the two active labour centres in Nigeria, who are also dynamic members of OATUU with many affiliate unions,” he said.

    The minister, however, called on OATUU to work out modalities on how to facilitate the review of its relationship with the Federal Government.

    He said this was in terms of funding in view of the ongoing review of the list of international organisations and associations the country belong to.

    “The Federal Government recently decided to review the list of international organisations and associations, which the country will belong to.

    “This is because of the fact that the payments of subvention and statutory contributions to such organisations have started taking toll on the Federal treasury.”

    Mr. Valentine Udeh, leader of the delegation, and Deputy Secretary General of OATUU, said the delegation came to discuss the review of subvention to OATUU by the Federal Government.

    He expressed the appreciation of the union to the support it received from the Federal Government.

    He also assured of the commitment of the pan-African organisation to continue to cater for the well-being of the continent’s workforce.

  • Minimum Wage:Organised Labour threatens strike Nov. 6

    The Organised Labour says it will embark on nationwide strike on November 6, if the Federal Government fails to meet its demand on the new National Minimum Wage of N30,000 agreed upon.

    Mr Ayuba Wabba, President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) made this known in a statement signed with its counterparts, Mr Bobbio Kaigama, President, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Mr Joe Ajaero, President, United Labour Congress (ULC) on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) recalls that the Organised Labour had said that the Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage had concluded its negotiations and agreed on N30, 000 following an appeal made by Organisation Private Sector (OPS) as what they could afford.

    NAN also reports that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige at the end the Federal Executive meeting, while briefing newsmen, had said that the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage was yet to conclude its negotiations.

    NAN recalls that the Governors had made a proposal of N20,000 while the Federal Government had offer of N24,000.

    The Federal Government had also initiated a clause “No work, No pay” during strike.

    According to Wabba, we the organised labour in Nigeria having not seen any sign that this government is willing to demonstrate honour and integrity in relating with Nigerian workers and masses.

    “So, we have resolved to organise a one-day of National outrage and mourning, which would be used to sensitise Nigerians on our plight and on the issues at stake.

    “This shall take place in all states of the federation including Abuja on Tuesday, the 30th day of October, 2018 and a meeting of various organs of the Unions will hold as appropriate.

    “On Friday, Nov. 2, a Joint Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of all the Labour Centres in Nigeria shall hold to receive reports and make final preparations for our ultimate engagement with the Federal Government on this matter.

    “ This is the first time in the history of this nation in recent times that such meeting will take place and this goes a long way to show the seriousness with which Nigerian workers and its leadership hold this matter.

    “If nothing is responsibly done by the Federal Government to meet our demands, on Monday, Nov.6 we shall embark on a nationwide strike,’’ he said.

    He added that this would compel government to show more sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians and the suffering that is decimating our people on daily basis.

    Wabba also called on Nigerians and workers not to be discouraged in the struggle for the new National Minimum Wage.

    He explained that it was not true that organised labour had proposed N30,000 as the new national minimum wage.

    “It is also not true that the committee did not agree on a figure during its last sitting. We accepted N30,000 as a compromise to demonstrate the willingness of Nigerian workers to make sacrifices towards nation building.

    “ Anything to the contrary no matter the quantum and character of the din or how well couched it may appear cannot be true.

    “ Resorting to Goebbelsianism at this time of national emergency, which requires men and women of integrity is rather unfortunate and cannot suddenly make the brazen falsehoods truths.

    “’We believe that it has become necessary for the Organised Private Sector (OPS) as represented in the Tripartite Committee to speak up on this matter.

    “ Keeping silent in the face of this apparent mischief does our nation no good. It can only help mischief, dishonesty and impunity to grow,” Wabba said.

    The NLC president, however, said it was time for the OPS to rise to the occasion by telling Nigerians what transpired in that meeting.

    Wabba added that they should tell Nigerians whether there was a motion that was seconded on a final figure.

    “ If there was a document signaling this agreement that had already been signed by some parties?

    “ If also the N30,000 figure was ours or a compromise figure based on proposed scenarios,”’ he said.(NAN).

  • Labour to Ngige: You are economical with the truth

    Organised Labour has reacted to claims by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige that the tripartite committee on the new National minimum wage was yet to agree on a figure with Organised Labour, but was still negotiating with them.

    In a statement signed by Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Comrade Bala Bobboi Kaigama and Comrade Joe Ajaero, Organised Labour said the Minister was being economical with the truth, pointing out that the committee arrived at a figure which is to be presented to the President.

    He said the subcommittee on figure chaired by the Minister presented four different figures which the committee deliberated on for several hours before agreeing on a figure.

    The statement said “Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige claiming that no amount has been agreed by the Tripartite Committee recommendation to government. The report further claimed that the Minister said that government was still negotiating with Labour.

    “It is rather unfortunate and sad if indeed, the Honourable Minister made those statements. For the avoidance of doubt, organised labour representatives wish to state unequivocally that the Tripartite Committee concluded is work, adopted a figure through a formal motion moved, seconded and adopted in the absence of any counter motion.

    “This was after a thorough debate of a report from the subcommittee figure, chaired by Senator Ngige himself which presented four scenarios for consideration.

    “The subcommittee worked on the basis of a figure proposed by the Federal Government, figures proposed by a number of state governments: as well as proposals submitted by the Organised Private Sector and Organised Labour.

    “The Committee formally adjourned its sitting with a decision that a date will be communicated to members for the signing of the report and submission of same to Mr. President.

    “Organised Labour therefore frowns at the manipulation and bending of facts in an attempt to delay or derail the processes needed to promulgate a new National Minimum Wage. We call on the government to take immediate necessary steps to ensure the enactment of a new National Minimum Wage as we cannot guarantee Industrial peace and harmony.”

  • You are being economical with the truth, Labour tells Ngige

    Organised Labour has reacted to claims by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige that the tripartite committee on the new National minimum wage was yet to agree on a figure with Organised Labour, but was still negotiating with them.

    In a statement signed by Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Comrade Bala Bobboi Kaigama and Comrade Joe Ajaero, Organised Labour said the Minister was being economical with the truth, pointing out that the committee arrived at a figure which is to be presented to the President.

    He said the sub committee on figure chaired by the Minister presented four different figures which the committee deliberated on for several hours before agreeing on a figure.

    The statement said “Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige claiming that no amount has been agreed by the Tripartite Committee recommendation to govemment. The report Further claimed that the Minister said that government was still negotiating with Labour.

    “It is rather unfortunate and sad if Indeed, the Honourable Minister made those statements. For the avoidance of doubt, organised labour representatives Wish to state unequivocally that the Tripartite Committee concluded is work, adopted a figure through a formal motion moved, seconded and adopted In the absence of any counter motion.

    “This was after a thorough debate of a report from the subcommittee figure, chaired by Senator Ngige himself which presented four scenarios for consideration.

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    “The subcommittee worked on the basis of a figure proposed by the Federal Government, figures proposed by a number of state government: as well as proposals submitted by the Organised Private Sector and Organised Labour.

    “The Committee formally adjourned its sitting with a decision that a date will be communicated to members for the signing of the report and submission of same to Mr President.

    Organised Labour, therefore frowns at the manipulation and bending of facts in an attempt to delay or derail the processes needed to promulgate a new National Minimum Wage. We call on the government to take immediate necessary steps to ensure the enactment of a new National Minimum Wage as we cannot guarantee Industrial peace and harmony.

  • Organized labour allege minister of scuttling talks on minimum wage

    The leadership of the organized labour in Kogi State, on Wednesday laid blame for the alleged discontinuation of talks on the proposed new minimum wage, at the doorstep of the Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige.

    They therefore directed workers to join in the seven days warning strike called by the national secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), beginning midnight Wednesday.

    In a bulletin which jointly signed by Comrades Onuh Edoka, Ranti Ojo and Aaron Akeji, chairmen of the state councils of the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Public Service Joint Negotiation Council (PSJNC) respectively and the state secretaries, they charged that all lawful means, including the notice of a 14-day ultimatum to make the Federal Government committee deliver on its mandate, yielded no result.

    They added: “The (30-man tripartite national minimum wage committee) went into a series of meetings and consultations, including receiving of memorandum from various stakeholders and conducting public hearing in the six geo-political zones of the country and Abuja, in which Glass House of the Government House, Lokoja, Kogi State, played host to the North Central geo-political zone on the 27th April, 2018.

    “To the amazement of the members of the tripartite committee, particularly, organized labour and the general public, a representative of the federal government on the committee and Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, on the day the committee was supposed to submit its report, unilaterally announced an indefinite postponement of the sitting of the committee, thereby putting the realization of the New Minimum Wage in jeopardy.

    “Consequent upon this, organized Labour, utilizing lawful means, including Notice of 14-day ultimatum, to make the committee deliver on its mandate, did not yield positive result, as the federal government did not do the needful.

    “This is to bring to your notice therefore, that sequel to the directive from the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, the entire workers in the country will be proceeding on a (7) seven days warning strike beginning from the midnight, Wednesday 26th September, 2018.

  • Organised Labour to workers: Stay at home till further notice

    Organised Labour has directed workers in both the public and private sector to remain at home as from midnight Thursday, till further notice in protest against government failure to reconvene the tripartite committee on the new National minimum wage after the expiration of a 14 day ultimatum given to government.

    Addressing a joint news conference in Abuja, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the United Labour Congress (ULC) said development since the ultimatum was given by the workers is a clear indication that the government was not serious with the issue of the new National minimum wage.

    Organised labour had on Sept. 12 given the Government a 14-day ultimatum insisting that the Tripartite Committee on the new National Minimum Wage should be reconvene to conclude its work within the stipulated time frame.

    They had warned that failure to reconvene the committee will lead to a nation wide industrial action by workers.

    Speaking on behalf of the other Labour leaders, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said the strike is expected to affect all public and private schools, banks, fuel stations and all private and public institutions across the country.

    He said the action is in compliance with the decision of the various organs of the organized labour which endorsed the 14-day ultimatum served on the government by members of the Organised Labour who are members of the Tripartite Committee on the new National Minimum Wage.

    “The Labour organs further mandated the leadership to take all necessary steps including a warning strike in the first instance to compel the government to reconvene the meeting of the Committee in order to bring it to a logical conclusion.

    “in compliance with this mandate, all workers in the public and private sectors at all levels across the country have been directed to comply. Industrial unions, state councils, all worker organistions and our civil society allies have been directed to step up mobilization of their members. All public and private institutions, offices, banks, schools, public and private business premises including filling stations are to remain shut till further notice.

    “All those who mean well for this country are to see to the success of this action. Further more, this action is to remain in force until further directives are given”.

    Throwing more light on the reason for the strike, Wabba said “the national Minimum Wage Committee was inaugurated in November 2017 but commenced work in March 2018 with timelines to deliver on its mandate of arriving at a new national minimum wage in August/ September 2018.

    “Th Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige in February this year during the 40th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Labour Congress, assured workers that they would have a new minimum

    “In order to meet this deadline, the Committee, in spite of challenges, worked assiduously and meticulously. In the course of the work of the Committee, members had ample time to consult and to take memoranda from across the country and across the sectors.

    “The Committee was satisfied that it received memoranda and inputs from 21 state governments, specialised agencies of the federal government, the Organised Private Sector, Organised Labour and the general public.

    Read Also: Labour set for warning strike over minimum wage

    “This was reason why the Organised Labour was outraged and shell-shocked by the decision of Government to adjourn the meeting of the Committee indefinitely to enable consultations by the Federal Government team.

    “Organized Labour considered the conduct of the Government as an act of bad faith and an insult to its members, who out of uncommon sacrifice and patriotism had hearkened to government’s appeal to delay negotiation for a new national minimum wage by two years”.
    The NLC president noted that the justification for the new national minimum wage cannot be over argued as it was not about salary earning Nigerians only but rather economy inflation.

    “We do believe that the reasons why governors find it difficult to pay the national minimum wage are lack of political will, high level of corruption, excessive cause of governance, white elephants projects and among others.

    “In any case, we are commending the governors that have indicated their readiness to pay the new national minimum wage and we advise those who are not prepared to pay to go back to their state and tell the workers in their state that they would not pay.

    “We therefore, find it necessary to caution against any attempt by government at any level to blackmail workers or their and their unions because we have been patient, considerate and patriotic.

    “Indeed government had to commend workers and their union for waiting patiently for two years before commencing negotiations for a new National Minimum wage. We advise that our disposition should not be taken for granted,’’ he said.

    In his contribution, Deputy President of the United LabourCongress (ULC), Comrade Igwe Achese said Organised Labour were open to dialogue as a way of resolving the dispute, pointing out that even when the government reached an agreement with the unions, the various organs will still have to meet to suspend or call off the strike.

    As at the time of this report, a meeting between the federal government team led by the Minister of Labour and Employment,Senator Chris Ngige and leaders of Organised Labour were locked in a meeting at the Ministry of Labour.