As Nigerians eagerly await the outcome of the federal government’s Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage negotiations, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have reiterated their firm deadline for the process to be concluded by May 31, 2024. Additionally, the unions have reaffirmed their demand for the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the federal government to reverse the recent hike in electricity tariffs by the same date, warning of potential industrial unrest if these demands are not met.
These resolutions were part of the conclusions from a joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC and TUC held on Monday in Abuja. The emergency meeting was convened to address pressing national issues impacting Nigerian workers, particularly the electricity tariff hike, the ongoing minimum wage negotiations, and the failure of some state governments to comply with the 2019 National Minimum Wage Act.
In a communique jointly signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, the labour unions emphasized the urgent need for a fair and equitable minimum wage agreement that reflects the contributions of Nigerian workers and addresses the current economic challenges faced by the populace. They criticized the federal government for its perceived lack of commitment to concluding the new minimum wage process in a timely manner, noting the government’s failure to constitute the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Negotiating Committee as required by the 2019 Act.
“The NEC affirms its commitment to ensuring that the interests and welfare of workers are adequately protected in the negotiation process,” the communique stated. It underscored the non-negotiable nature of the demands made by Nigerian workers and urged the government to prioritize the resolution of these issues to maintain industrial peace.
Regarding the electricity tariff hike, the unions expressed disappointment that their one-day nationwide picketing of NERC offices and Discos did not yield the desired outcome. They resolved that if the government fails to meet their demands by the stipulated deadline, the NEC will authorize further actions, including mobilizing workers for peaceful protests and industrial actions to press for social justice and workers’ rights.
Additionally, the NLC and TUC have directed all state councils in regions where the N30,000 National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented to issue a two-week ultimatum to the respective state governments, threatening industrial action if compliance is not achieved. Specifically, they reaffirmed the ultimatum issued to the Anambra State government, directing all affiliates and workers in the state to mobilize for action if the government fails to meet workers’ demands by May 23, 2024.
This joint stance by the NLC and TUC highlights the labor movement’s determination to protect the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and to hold the government accountable for its commitments to fair wages and affordable electricity.
