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Akwa Ibom: Labour Unions protest non-implementation of new minimum wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria, have expressed concern over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage agreed upon with the state government.
In a statement obtained by Diaspora Digital Media, signed by the Chairperson of the NLC, Elder Sunny James, and the Chairman of the TUC, Comrade Dominik Abang, the labour unions accused the state government of reneging on its promise to implement the new minimum wage of N80,000.
“The rumour that the government is no longer prepared to fulfill its commitment to pay the new minimum wage is disheartening and unacceptable.
“Any further delay in implementing the new minimum wage will not just amount to a breach of promise, but will also record another blatant disregard for the well-being of the state workforce by the government,” the Unions said.
The unions claimed that despite the conclusion of the state-wide workers’ verification exercise on January 3, 2025, the government had allegedly computed January salaries using the old template.
“We urge the government to take immediate action and release the Minimum Wage Circulars with the new salary template to the respective MDAs for implementation.
“Unless sincere action is taken to initiate this payment of the new minimum wage as agreed, the organized labour will be left with no option than to take decisive measures that may lead to a complete shutdown of the entire state workforce,” they added.
The Akwa Ibom State government had previously assured workers that the new wage would be implemented in January 2025, effective November 1, 2024.
Over 30 states have already implemented the new minimum wage since September 2024.
The labour unions emphasized their commitment to maintaining a friendly labour-government relationship in the state, while also advocating for the rights and interests of workers.
“We remain committed to the friendly labour-government relationship in the state without losing sight of our over-arching creed to remain forward ever and backward never in the struggle for our workers,” the statement concluded.
Minimum wage…
The International Labour Organization defines minimum wages as the least amount of remuneration that an employer is required to pay wage earners for the work performed during a given period, which cannot be reduced by collective agreement or an individual contract.
Following this definition, minimum wages exist in more than 90 per cent of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) member States.
The purpose of minimum wages is to protect workers against unduly low pay.
They help ensure a just and equitable share of the fruits of progress to all, and a minimum living wage to all who are employed and in need of such protection.
Minimum wages can also be one element of a policy to overcome poverty and reduce inequality, including those between men and women.
The minimum wage debacle in Nigeria
The minimum wage debacle in Nigeria has been a longstanding issue, dating back to 1999 when the country transitioned to a federal system of government after returning to democracy.
The negotiation process between the government and labour unions has been problematic, with both parties unable to reach an agreement.
In 2020, the government proposed a minimum wage of N60,000, which was rejected by labour unions, leading to a nationwide strike.
Governors in Nigeria expressed concerns that the proposed N60,000 minimum wage was unsustainable, citing that it was too high.
This led to a stalemate in negotiations, leaving many Nigerian workers uncertain about their future earnings.
However, in a recent development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu increased the federal government’s offer on the national minimum wage from N62,000 to N70,000, with an assurance that it will be reviewed after three years.
This move was praised by labour leaders, who thanked the President for his commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers.
Despite this progress, some critics argue that the new wage of N70,000 is still insufficient, considering the high cost of living in Nigeria.
For instances, The Movement for a Socialist Alternative (MSA) condemned the Tinubu regime for the “poverty wage” and called for a more significant increase in the minimum wage.
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