The leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday warned members of the Council of State and state governors not to truncate ongoing efforts towards the implementation of the N18,000 national minimum wage.
According to Abdulwahed Omar, the NLC president, who spoke at a press briefing in Abuja, the labour group, which called off its last warning strike on the basis of granting time for the government to decide on its request, said it has put all its 38 affiliates on alert for nationwide strike.
President Goodluck Jonathan, state governors, and other members of the Council of State, are expected to meet today and take a decision on the report of the committee set up by the presidency to review the N18, 000 proposals.
The committee on national minimum wage was led by Justice Alfa Belgore. However, Lagos, Gombe, and Enugu States have been asked by the Governors’ Forum to represent the states at the minimum wage negotiation meeting.
Mr. Omar said, “We are not talking about the wage review, which is also a segment itself. If we have minimum wage, which is the benchmark, it is now up to states to negotiate with workers to see how they can build a table, and not necessarily the same as that of Yobe State or Anambra State.
“I believe there was a technical error of the side of the federal government. When the report was received, perhaps, it is good to pass information. Even the Council of State is an advisory body; its not a body that has to take decision. Absolutely, the decision lies on the federal government,” he said.
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He, however, warned that the labour movement may further demand for payment of arrears of the national minimum wage, if the Federal Government fails to commence immediate implementation of the N18, 000 this month.
Mr. Omar, however, warned that to avoid the proposed nationwide strike, which is expected to take place in the first week of December, “Council of State should do that which is in the best interest of the country and its people by supporting the N18,000 national minimum wage agreement,” he said.