The Nigeria Labour Congress in Ogun State has accused the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, of attempt to play politics with the N66,500 new minimum wage.
Ngige had said that the new national minimum wage might not materialise in September as earlier envisaged, as that date would be used to conclude negotiations.
Labour won’t allow delay on new minimum wage
But the Ogun NLC Chairman, Akeem Ambali, who spoke with our correspondent in an exclusive interview, said that he suspected a foul play in the minister’s comment concerning the new minimum wage.
Ambali, who described Ngige’s comment as “unfortunate,” said that labour might soon meet to address the issue and would not accept any delay on the minimum wage.
He added that labour would not be discouraged in its clamour for the N66,500 wage, blaming the minister for not being sincere in the
negotiation.
He said, “The NLC in Ogun State views this comment of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment as unfortunate. If he genuinely said this, however, we are not discouraged because he concluded that the process is ongoing.
“Labour will not accept any unnecessary delay that will confirm the fear of Nigerians that the increment is intended to be used for political advantage. The organs of the Congress, I know may soon meet to address the issue.”
The state NLC chairman, however, said that the decisions of some state governors in the country to pay between N22,000 and N58,000 would be among the issues to be discussed on the negotiation table in
September.
Ambali said, “We submitted empirical data to arrive at N66,500. So, when we meet at the negotiating table, we shall defend our position to arrive at an acceptable wage claim. The claim by governors has always been the same. However, we are convinced if we cut profligacy in the system and prioritise human capital, they can conveniently pay.
“When we meet at the negotiation table, we shall look at the position, too, and negotiate to the advantage of our members, based on available data.”
