The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government and state governments nationwide to implement a new minimum wage of N104,000 for workers, as Imo State has done.
During the 7th National Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), which had as its theme "Building Trade Unions' Future through Strategic Organizing and Investments," NLC President Joe Ajaero made the appeal in Abuja.
Ajaero called the wage package "the highest and most commendable" currently declared in the nation and praised Governor Hope Uzodinma for taking the courageous action.
“When I first heard about it, many people asked if it was real. I reached out to the governor, and he confirmed it to me. This is not just commendable; it is an example for other governors to follow,” Ajaero said.
He clarified that the authorities pushed against boosting the national minimum wage too much during talks with the federal government, pointing to state governments' financial constraints. However, Ajaero stated that the argument was no longer valid because Imo, who does not rank among the biggest revenue earners, committed to over N100,000.
“The essence of minimum wage is that it is the least. States can actually do more. Governors don’t need to wait for three years before reviewing wages, especially in this tough economy where workers are struggling to survive,” he added.
Concerning developments at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), the labor leader further accused the government of stealing 40% of worker contributions and trying to change the NSITF Act to take more control of worker monies. For the welfare of Nigerian workers, he demanded that the funds be tracked down and given back.
Stephen Okoro, the president of NUCECFWW, took advantage of the event to draw attention to unfair labor practices in the construction industry, including those that target engineers and artisans. He emphasized that despite facing casualization and hazardous working circumstances, industrial workers persevere in constructing high-quality infrastructure for the country.
“We bear the pains to ensure good roads, strong buildings, and decent furniture across the country. Our union has zero tolerance for unfair labor practices, and we remain committed to abolishing casualization in the near future,” Okoro declared.
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