Port Harcourt, Nigeria — November 12, 2024: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government to review policies it deems “anti-people,” warning that the current economic environment is pushing millions of Nigerians into destitution. In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed frustration over the government’s failure to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
The union condemned state governments for delaying or outright refusing to pay workers their due wages, citing it as a violation of both legal and moral obligations. The NLC announced plans to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to launch a nationwide campaign to raise awareness and mobilize citizens to resist such policies.
Warning of Strike Actions
The NLC declared that any state where the National Minimum Wage is not fully implemented by the end of November 2024 would face industrial action starting December 1. “Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” Ajaero said. The union has promised to escalate the matter with strikes and other actions until the law is fully enforced across the country.
Rising Economic Hardship
The communiqué also highlighted growing concerns over the worsening economic hardship in Nigeria, with inflation soaring and basic necessities becoming increasingly unaffordable for the average worker. The NLC warned that millions of Nigerians are being forced into poverty, with many struggling to balance food, healthcare, and other essential needs. The union called on the government to implement comprehensive social protection policies and to review wages to reflect the rising cost of living.
Rivers State Workers’ Salaries at Risk
In addition, the NLC expressed alarm over the withholding of funds meant for the payment of salaries and benefits of Rivers State workers amid ongoing political instability in the state. The union warned that it would not accept workers being caught in the crossfire of political crises and called for an immediate resolution to ensure that workers receive their due entitlements without delay.
The NLC’s strong statements reflect growing discontent among Nigerian workers over the government’s handling of the economy and workers’ rights, signaling a possible escalation in labor unrest in the coming months.