The mass rally by Nigerians workers, which started off in the country’s economic capital city of Lagos on Wednesday, may have started yielding dividends as the country’s authorities have promised to negotiate a living wage for the workers.
The umbrella Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Civil Society, under a coalition known as LASCO, organised the rally to call attention to the poor pay of Nigerian workers, the plan by the government to deregulate fuel prices and the government’s electoral reform.
Over 10,000 workers turned up for the opening rally, which was held peacefully with armed policemen providing security for the marchers in an unusual act by the security agencies, who routinely foil any protest against the authorities.
The rally had barely ended when the federal government said it would appoint a panel to dialogue with the labour union over its demand for a minimum wage of 52,200 naira (US$372). The current minimum wage is a paltry 7,500 naira (US$54).
“We will ensure that the average Nigerian worker is put at par with any other worker anywhere in the world,” said Labour Minister Adetokunbo Kayode.
Speaking on the wage issue earlier at the rally, NLC president Abdulwaheed Omar said raising the wage was necessary in view of the present economic realities.
He said government’s failure to provide basic infrastructure had resulted in the workers providing their own potable water and generating their own electricity, among others.
On the planned deregulation, Omar accused the government of lack of seriousness about locally refining petroleum products. Nigeria imports most of its fuel requirements due to non-functioning local refineries.
“We enjoyed nothing in terms of infrastructure and improved living standard from almost a decade of oil boom, which reached an all-time high of US$147 per barrel last July,” he said.
The NLC boss also slammed the government’s electoral reform, especially its decision to jettison some key recommendations made by a panel set up for the purpose.
“We know that it is only when a leader is genuinely elected by the people that things can work properly in this country. When leaders are imposed on the people, they will work for those who impose them,” he said.
The protest train now moves to other parts of the country.