NLC tackles Ngige over change in minimum wage implementation
The Nigeria Labour Congress has expressed shock over the statement credited to the Minister of Labour and Employment; Dr Chris Ngige that Nigerian workers should wait beyond September 2018 for the new National Minimum Wage. NLC president Ayuba Wabba in statement yesterday said that the minister in February 2018 without prompting or pressure announced to […]
The President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba
The Nigeria Labour Congress has expressed shock over the statement credited to the Minister of Labour and Employment; Dr Chris Ngige that Nigerian workers should wait beyond September 2018 for the new National Minimum Wage.
NLC president Ayuba Wabba in statement yesterday said that the minister in February 2018 without prompting or pressure announced to the whole world that by September, 2018, the Federal Government would start paying the new National Minimum Wage and was shocked that he reneged on assured date.
He said, “The current volte face by the Minister of Labour is not only provocative; it is also insensitive especially in the face of the excruciating suffering being endured by Nigerian workers particularly as occasioned by the increase in the cost of living.
“Do we need to remind the minister that he was once a civil servant who always looked forward to his monthly salary? Nigerian workers who are not privileged to earn fat salaries, allowances, estacodes and other perks of political appointment are looking forward to enjoy minimal relief in the form of the new National Minimum Wage.”
Wabba said that the change in the minum wage implementation date as announced by the minister was also at variance with the declaration made by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo when he represented Mr. President at this year’s May Day Celebrations.
“He promised Nigerian workers that government is committed to ensuring that the issue of the new National Minimum Wage is concluded and delivered.
Our concern is “who is the Minister of Labour speaking for?” Nigerian workers want to know who has sent Dr. Chris Ngige on this nebulous errand. On whose side is the Minister of Labour on the upward review of the National Minimum Wage?
“Our position was that we would expedite actions at the level of the tripartite committee on the minimum wage and ensure that discussions and negotiations are concluded by August 2018 so that Nigerian workers can start benefitting as quickly as possible from the new National Minimum Wage,” said Wabba.