Minimum Wage: NLC Gives October Deadline

• Minimum Wage: NLC Gives October Deadline

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday called on the Federal Government to implement the N30,000 new minimum wage by the end of October.

Mr Ayuba Wabba, the President of the NLC, who addressed workers at the 2019 Decent Work Day in Abuja on Monday, said: “Negotiations for the consequential salary adjustment must be concluded now so that all workers would have a reason to smile at the end of this October.”

Last week, the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued an ultimatum for the federal government to conclude negotiations on the consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage on or before October 16.

“Comrades, there cannot be decent work without decent wages. The national minimum wage is the floor for decent wages. We call on all tiers of government in Nigeria to commence full implementation of the N30,000 national minimum wage,” Wabba stated.

“Also, negotiations for the consequential salary adjustment must be concluded now so that all workers would have a reason to smile at the end of this October.”

He advised the government to improve investment on workers in order to generate economic growth, tackle growing demographic challenges and reduce gender discrimination.

The labour leader also called for enhanced labour inspection in factories and plantations, adding that stringent penalty should be imposed on employers not conforming with the provisions of the Labour Law.

“We call on the Minister of Labour and Employment to fast-track the promised revitalization of the Inspectorate Division of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and reactivation of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) as an instrument of social dialogue.

“We also call for the immediate adoption of the historic Convention I90 on Gender Based Violence by Nigeria and that immediate necessary steps be taken for its domestication.

“Convention I90 recognizes the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment including gender-based violence and harassment,” he said.