You can’t determine what to pay, we are not beggars, NLC slam Southern Govs

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the efforts of certain governors to independently set minimum wages, warning that such actions would worsen poverty and insecurity nationwide.

In a statement released on Friday, the NLC criticized recent remarks from governors advocating for unrestricted wage determinations, asserting that governors lack the authority to dictate wages unilaterally.

Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs who signed the statement, highlighted that such arbitrary measures not only exhibit dictatorial tendencies but also undermine established national wage-setting frameworks in Nigeria.

He emphasized that the national minimum wage serves as a crucial safeguard ensuring a basic standard of living for all workers. Upah argued that the governors’ insistence on independent wage decisions poses a significant threat to the welfare of Nigerian workers and the overall economy, urging adherence to collective agreements and established principles.

The NLC pointed out the disparity between governors’ demands for autonomy in wage setting and their compliance with structured pay scales for political office holders, questioning the fairness of such double standards.


“We are deeply troubled by the governors’ apparent lack of understanding regarding global standards for minimum wage,” the statement read.

“Despite their frequent international engagements, they have chosen to neglect fundamental issues crucial to effective governance, perpetuating poor leadership and unnecessary hardship for Nigerians.

We recommend that these governors prioritize education on industrial relations to improve governance and preserve democracy.”

The NLC commended governors who prioritize worker welfare, contrasting them with those who neglect it, warning against policies that deepen poverty and contribute to insecurity.

The union criticized the perception of workers’ salaries as charity rather than earned income, stressing the critical role of wages in driving the economy.

It called for adherence to a national minimum wage as a fundamental principle across all sectors, similar to regulations governing private companies.

The NLC urged President Tinubu not to yield to undue pressure from self-serving governors, emphasizing the federal government’s responsibility to uphold fair wage policies despite opposition from certain governors.

“We call on the federal government to take decisive action on the national minimum wage issue, disregarding resistance from a faction of governors,” the NLC stated.

“We remind governors that wage determination remains a tripartite process, urging policies that prioritize equity and fairness to maintain social stability and national unity.”

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the NLC’s commitment to defending Nigerian workers’ rights and advocating for an equitable wage system that aligns with the nation’s values.