PRESIDENT OF NLC, REITERATES THE UNION’S DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF N70,000 MINIMUM WAGE 18-09-24
By Sadiq Aminu The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has reiterated the union’s demand for the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.
In an interview with aviation reporters at the Lagos airport, Comrade Ajaero expressed concerns over the government’s delay in paying the agreed wage despite the agreement reached in April.
“We had an agreement which took effect from April 18th. Even if they start implementation, they should pay arrears from April 8th. While I was detained, we agreed that the same week I was held, the meetings on Consequential adjustment must commence.”
He further revealed that the committee tasked with finalizing the consequential adjustments has been working diligently since its inauguration.
“They met on Friday, and they are meeting. So I think they have started,” he said.
Addressing concerns about state governments’ ability to meet the N70,000 minimum wage, Comrade Ajaero emphasized that the agreement is a legal obligation.
“That was part of the reason why we are here. We had an agreement; N70,000 is the position of the law. And the bill has been passed by the national assembly, and failure to pay is an infringement.”
The NLC president also criticized the government’s recent actions regarding fuel prices.
He accused the government of fraudulent practices and policy somersaults.
“What you are seeing is fraudulent. Is policy somersault. Now Nigerians were made to understand that the sector has been deregulated.”
Comrade Ajaero called on the government to allow the private sector to operate without interference.
“Let NNPCL sell, let Dangote, Port Harcourt refinery sell. If you now move to tell Dangote what to sell as a private man, then that is fraudulent”.
The NLC president expressed frustration with the government’s handling of the fuel crisis and refinery operations, demanding immediate action to address these issues.
Africa 247 correspondent reports that, the NLC President is in Lagos to attend a meeting of all the southern officers, comprising national officers, NAC members, general secretaries of labour to review the agenda on the new minimum wage.