LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) –The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the attempt by Nigerian governors to take over the lingering minimum wage negotiations.
The NLC criticised the proposal, calling it unfriendly and anti-worker, and argued that allowing states to determine their own minimum wages would harm workers’ welfare.
The Southern Governors’ Forum had suggested that states be allowed to independently negotiate the minimum wage for workers. During a meeting on Monday, June 24, at the Ogun State Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, the forum concluded that wages should reflect the cost of living.
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This information was disclosed in a communiqué released after the meeting, signed by the newly-appointed Chairman of the forum, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Vice-Chairman, Prof. Charles Soludo of Anambra State.
The meeting was attended by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, and Bassey Otu of Cross River.
Also in attendance were Governors Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and Alex Otti of Abia State.
“The forum discussed the minimum wage demanded by Labour and unanimously agreed that the minimum wage should be reflective of the cost of living, and that each state should be allowed to negotiate its minimum wage,” the communique stated.