Nigeria Labour Congress Threatens to Shut Down Economy Over Minimum Wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to shut down the economy for one month if the National Assembly decentralizes the minimum wage. NLC President Joe Ajaero made this statement at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) annual general meeting in Lagos on Tuesday, July 16.

Ajaero stated that the Labour union will resist attempts to move the minimum wage from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, which would allow state governors to determine their own minimum wages. He argued that this would lead to a “slave wage” and perpetuate poverty among citizens.

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The NLC is opposed to the decentralization of wages, citing the principle of “equal work for equal pay” and the need for a national minimum wage standard. Ajaero also pointed out that governors receive the same salary nationwide, regardless of their state’s revenue, and that workers should not be treated differently.

The National Assembly is currently considering proposals to amend the 1999 constitution, including one to move the minimum wage from the exclusive list to the concurrent list. The NLC has put its members on notice to prepare for a one-month strike if the proposed law is passed.