Chris Onyeka, Assistant General-Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has accused many state governors of disregarding the Minimum Wage Act, reflecting a disregard for the law's sanctity. Onyeka, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), highlighted that despite increased revenue from fuel subsidy removal, 15 states are yet to implement the N30,000 minimum wage enacted in 2019.
Onyeka pointed out that governors who gained power through dubious means are more likely to flout the national minimum wage law. He criticized some governors for viewing state resources as personal wealth, leading to reluctance in paying civil servants’ salaries. Onyeka emphasized that workers’ salaries are often deprioritized, ignoring their basic needs.
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The labour leader called for fiscal discipline, suggesting measures such as reducing political appointees and cutting operational costs. He also urged synchronization of officials' salaries with those of civil servants and advocated for streamlined procurement processes to enhance integrity and accountability. Onyeka stressed that governors should focus on budget fidelity and avoid fund diversions.
To enforce the minimum wage law, Onyeka proposed sequestering federal allocations to non-compliant states and empowering labour unions to take action. He urged strengthening the National Industrial Court to issue enforceable orders against defaulting state governments and supported the right of organized labour to strike, calling for federal protection for aggrieved workers.
