The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed state councils to initiate an indefinite strike on December 1, 2024, in states where the N70,000 minimum wage is not fully implemented. This decision follows concerns raised at the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, presided over by NLC President Joe Ajaero, who condemned certain state governments for delaying or refusing to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
The NEC described the non-compliance as a betrayal and an affront to Nigerian workers, stating, “This disregard for the law and the lives of millions of workers must not go unchallenged.” The NLC plans to launch a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to educate and mobilize workers on the importance of resisting violations of their rights and dignity.
The NLC also criticized policies it deems harmful to Nigerians, citing increased hardship as inflation soars, basic costs rise, and access to energy remains limited. The NEC’s communiqué urged the federal government to implement comprehensive social protections, including affordable healthcare and wage reviews that reflect real living costs.
Addressing the political situation in Rivers State, where court orders have frozen federal revenue allocations, the NEC condemned this as a “punitive measure” threatening workers’ welfare. The NLC pledged solidarity with Rivers workers, demanding an end to political maneuvering that harms citizens’ livelihoods.
The NLC also expressed concerns over democratic rights, calling for the release of detained protesters and safeguards against future detentions. On transportation, the NEC commended the government’s provision of CNG buses but called for further expansion and infrastructure to support workers’ commuting needs.
The NLC reaffirmed its dedication to protecting workers’ rights and called for immediate action from government bodies to ensure a just and supportive environment for Nigerian workers, warning of further responses if issues remain unresolved.
