NLC Issues December 1 Ultimatum for Minimum Wage Compliance, Accuses Fuel Marketers of Price Inflation
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has delivered a stark ultimatum to state governments, mandating full compliance with the recently raised minimum wage of N70,000 by December 1, 2024. The NLC also took aim at fuel marketers, alleging they have artificially inflated petrol prices, driving up costs for already struggling citizens.
In a communique released on Sunday following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the NLC voiced alarm over the economic hardship plaguing the nation, underscoring that Nigerians are bearing the brunt of government policies that it described as “anti-people.” The union called for immediate reforms to ease the soaring cost of living, warning of escalating destitution if current trends continue unchecked.
The NLC directed its state councils to prepare for indefinite strikes in regions where the new minimum wage remains unimplemented by December 1. This action follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the wage increase in July, aimed at countering inflation’s relentless bite on Nigerian workers. Yet, despite pledges from some states to meet the mandate—and others even committing to exceed it—a number of states have been sluggish in adopting the new wage structure.
As of early November, over 20 states had reportedly enacted the minimum wage, yet many more remain non-compliant. In response, the NLC announced the formation of a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, tasked with assessing the situation across the country and mobilisingworkers to resist what it terms an “assault on their dignity and rights.”
“If the national minimum wage is not fully implemented by November’s end, affected state councils are directed to begin strike action on December 1,” the communique stated, adding that Nigerian workers “demand justice, and justice they shall have.”
The NLC also turned its ire toward Nigeria’s fuel marketers, accusing them of imposing exorbitant petrol prices that far exceed genuine market value. The union warned of an alleged “gang-up” within the industry to exploit consumers, describing inflated prices as the result of “padding of costs and abnormal margins.” Referring to revelations from a recent dispute between marketers and the Dangote group, the NLC alleged that those in control of Nigeria’s economic levers are “ripping off” workers and ordinary citizens alike.
In light of these allegations, the NLC called for the immediate restoration of the nation’s public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to bring stability and transparency to the pricing of petrol. “Nigerians deserve an end to this relentless exploitation and a transparent, locally-sourced energy supply,” the union stated.
As discontent mounts, the NLC’s position underscores a growing rift with both state administrations and industry leaders over policies it sees as furthering hardship rather than alleviating it.
