If The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the federal and state governments to take a cue from Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who recently approved a minimum wage of N104,000 for workers in the state.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of a conference in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the move as “commendable,” noting that it disproves arguments that states cannot afford higher wages.
“During negotiations with the federal government, the concern was that states might lack the capacity to pay. But if Imo, which is not one of the highest revenue-generating states, can pay over N100,000, others can do better,” he said.
Ajaero stressed that the minimum wage represents the least workers should earn and urged governors not to wait until the next review cycle before raising pay, given the harsh economic realities.
He also raised concerns about attempts to amend the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Act, warning that government control of the fund would deprive workers of their rightful benefits.
In a related development, Stephen Okoro, President of the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers, decried unfair labour practices in the construction sector.
He said engineers are often subjected to poor working conditions and pledged the union’s commitment to advancing decent work and ending casualisation in the industry.
