Minimum Wage: Nigerian workers won’t be treated as beggars – NLC tells govs

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has declared that Nigerian workers will not be treated as beggars in the country.

NLC made the remark while stressing that state governors can’t decide the minimum wage of workers.

A statement by its Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, described the stance of the state governors in determining what they can pay workers as dictatorial.

NLC emphasised that the national minimum wage is not an arbitrary figure but a collective agreement designed to ensure a minimum standard of living for every worker in the country.

Upah informed the governors that the minimum wage is separate from the individual pay structures of states, which already reflect their unique financial capabilities and circumstances.

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The statement by Upah reads partly: “The concept of a national minimum wage represents a national wage floor, a baseline below which no worker should be paid.

“This double standard pits a few privileged individuals against the majority poor, which should concern anyone who loves this country.”

“Allowing numerous companies and organizations in Nigeria to pay workers whatever they like is akin to what the governors are asking for.

“While these companies may not pay the same salaries, they must adhere to the national wage floor, and the same should apply to state governors.

“Nigerian workers should not be reduced to beggars! Enough is enough.”