Organised Labour has criticised governors who proposed paying minimum wages based on each state’s financial capacity, arguing that national minimum wage standards should apply uniformly across Nigeria.
The Southern Governors’ Forum suggested considering states’ living costs and economic abilities during a meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The labour unions, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), condemned this approach as undemocratic and contrary to established national wage policies.
They pointed out that political leaders receive consistent salaries nationwide, attributing it to double standard.
They accused the governors of ignorance about global labour standards, despite their international travels.
“This double standards which pits a few privileged against the majority poor is an issue that should be of concern to those who love this country.
“We are deeply concerned by this blatant display of ignorance regarding the global best practices for national minimum wage by some of these governors.
“It is evident that, despite their frequent travels abroad, they have deliberately chosen not to educate themselves on fundamental global issues crucial to successful governance,” the unions said.
The labour spokesperson, Benson Upah, noted that fluctuating wages deepen poverty and insecurity, adding that workers’ salaries drive the economy.
“It is unfortunate that workers’ salaries are often seen as charity rather than the hard-earned income of hardworking Nigerians.
“It is equally painful that some of these governors fail to realise that workers’ salaries substantially drive the economy. Not surprisingly, they prioritise their greed over the need of ordinary citizens.
“The fate of Nigerian workers cannot be left solely in the hands of employers, whether public or private. No sane society does that’” he said.
He criticised governors for prioritising personal gain over public welfare and urged President Bola Tinubu not to yield to their pressures.
Upah called for fairness in wage policies and warned against dictatorial actions, advocating for a national minimum wage that ensures economic justice and social stability.
He restated labour’s commitment to defending workers’ rights and urged governors to support equitable wage systems for the nation’s benefit.
“Nigerian workers should not be reduced to beggars! Enough is enough! Finally, NLC stands firm in its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers.
“We will continue to advocate for a fair and equitable wage system that reflects the true spirit of our nation’s values. We call on the governors to join us in this commitment for the benefit of all Nigerians. Let democracy flourish,” he said.
