Labour Urges NASS To End ‘Slave Wage’, Demands Regular Review

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the National Assembly to work with the tripartite committee on the new minimum wage to establish mechanisms for regular review of wages to keep pace with inflation and the cost of living.

The NLC president, Joe Ajaero, made the call in a goodwill message delivered at the national retreat on “Labour reforms and the quest for a living wage in Nigeria: A focus on legislative interventions”, organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja.

Ajaero urged the lawmakers to “review and update our labour laws to reflect the realities of today’s economy and protect our people. This includes ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against unfair labour practices.

“We call on the National Assembly to join us in calling on the executive to transmit to the Assembly the bill on the reviewed labour administration laws which had gone through the tripartite process some years back but seemed to have been impounded by the executive.

“Workers are not beggars neither are they slaves. We create wealth and we deserve a healthy portion of it. The present angst in the country can only be assuaged by reasonable income to Nigerian people and workers.

“Our lawmakers should lay more focus on strengthening social security systems to provide a safety net for workers during times of economic hardship, unemployment, or health emergencies.

“Seek ways to make laws for effective social dialogue which will foster an inclusive dialogue between the government, employers, and labour unions to ensure policies are balanced, fair, and effectively address the needs of all stakeholders.

“The legislature should make laws that encourages continuous investment in education and vocational training to equip our workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic and evolving job market.”