A significant development unfolded as the federal government commenced a public hearing on the minimum wage in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday, March 7.
The event, overseen by the representative of the zonal chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Nonrom Theophilus, marked a crucial moment for organized labour.
List of minimum wage in African countries in Dollars
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) made a bold demand during the hearing, pushing for a minimum wage of N850,000 for Akwa Ibom state workers.
Comrade Sunny James, the State Chairman of the NLC, went a step further, insisting that any governor unwilling to comply with this proposed minimum wage should face imprisonment.
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James, while presenting his memorandum, emphasized the severity of the consequence, stating, “Any state governor who refuses to pay the new minimum wage should be imprisoned.” This assertive stance reflects the determination of the labour unions to secure improved wages for the workers.
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Comrade Kinsley Bassey, the state secretary, echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over what he termed “slavery wages” that Nigerian workers currently endure, given the escalating cost of living.
Representing the state governor, Umo Eno, was Effiong Essien, the head of the state civil service. The presence of high-ranking officials, including the zonal chairman Nonrom Theophilus, demonstrated the gravity of the issue at hand.
The zonal chairman urged stakeholders to openly share their perspectives, emphasizing the committee’s interest in receiving well-researched position papers to make informed decisions. He stated, “Stakeholders shouldn’t hesitate to speak their minds to help the Tripartite Committee come up with a solution that will ameliorate the plight of Nigerian workers.”
In attendance were Ekpo Nta, the local organizing committee chairman, and Kayode Alakija, the deputy national chairman of the TUC, reinforcing the collaborative efforts in addressing the concerns surrounding the minimum wage.
As the public hearing progresses, the expectations and demands put forth by organised labour set the stage for a thorough examination of the current wage structure and potential reforms to uplift the working class in Akwa Ibom State.
NLC Demands N794,000 Minimum for South West States.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the southwest region have demanded N794,000 new minimum wage for workers in the geopolitical zones.
The workers in the region made the demand through Funmi Sessi, the chairperson of the NLC in Lagos state.
Sessi made the demand during her presentation at the public hearing of the National Minimum Wage tripartite committee in Ikeja, the state capital, on Thursday, March 7.
