Labour has rejected the Southern Governors' Forum proposal to decentralize minimum wage negotiations to state governments. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) condemned the move as unfriendly and anti-worker, arguing that allowing states to set their own minimum wages would harm workers' welfare.
The Southern Governors' Forum had suggested that each state should independently negotiate minimum wages based on the cost of living. However, Organised Labour insisted that minimum wage negotiations should remain a national issue, emphasizing that governors lack the authority to negotiate on this matter.
Meanwhile, the Presidency appealed for patience, assuring that once ready, the Federal Government would present the proposed minimum wage bill to the National Assembly.
Labour reaffirmed its demand for a national minimum wage of N250,000, while state governors expressed concerns that even the proposed N62,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government could lead states into debt.
In response to the governors' stance, NLC's National Treasurer, Akeem Ambali, emphasized that governors should focus on implementing the national minimum wage once approved, rather than pursuing individual negotiations with labour.
Labour cautioned against dictatorial tendencies from state governors and underscored the importance of upholding a national minimum wage as a baseline for workers' rights and economic stability.
The Trade Union Congress also urged the President to intervene and ensure governors adhere to constitutional provisions regarding minimum wage implementation, emphasizing that negotiations should involve all relevant stakeholders in a tripartite manner.
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