Wage payment based on states’ capacity unacceptable – Labour

Members of the organised labour, on Friday, lambasted some governors that are canvassing payment of minimum wage based on the capacity of their respective states, saying the concept of a national minimum wage is not arbitrary.

Governors from the southern part of Nigeria, under the aegis of the Southern Governors’ Forum, had two days ago called for the consideration of the cost of living and the ability of each state to pay in reaching an agreement on the new minimum wage.

The governors, who disclosed their position at a meeting held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, also advocated that each state negotiate the new wage with the labour unions.

But reacting to the development, members of the organised labour comprising the NLC and the TUC, explained that the notion was not only dictatorial but also undermines the essence and model adopted for creating a national minimum wage in Nigeria.

The Head of Information at NLC Headquarters, Benson Upah, said the governors’ argument appears inconsistent when juxtaposed with the remuneration of political office holders.

According to him, there was no hue and cry when political officeholders across the nation received uniform salaries as determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

“This double standard, which pits a few privileged against the majority poor is an issue that should be of concern to those who love this country,” he said.

He said the pursuit by many governors to pay workers whatever they like deepens poverty and causes varying dimensions of insecurity.

The NLC spokesman maintained that the governors are carried away by their present structure of security detail but “The Sword of Damocles awaits them on exit from office.”

Upah added, “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 needs 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 called on President Bola Tinubu, who had promised a living wage (which is superior to a minimum wage), not to allow himself to be blackmailed or boxed into a corner by unpatriotic governors.

“We urge the federal government to stop dithering on the issue of the national minimum wage because of the gang up by some selfish governors,” he added.