NLC President Criticizes Governor Selection on Minimum Wage Committee
Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has voiced criticism regarding the composition of the 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage. Ajaero expressed concern that many governors appointed to the committee do not comply with the current minimum wage regulations.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ajaero highlighted, “Most of the governors in the minimum wage committee are those who are not paying minimum wage or paying them in breaches.” He pointed out the absence of governors who fully comply with the minimum wage, suggesting a skewed representation in the committee.
The inauguration of the committee by Vice President Kashim Shettima aimed to address the need for a decent living wage, aligning with the National Minimum Wage Act of 2019 set to expire soon. Shettima urged the committee to expedite their deliberations, as the current N30,000 minimum wage terminates by the end of March 2024.
Ajaero underscored the importance of enforcing minimum wage laws, citing instances of non-compliance in states like Zamfara, Borno, and Bauchi. He challenged claims of compliance, citing discrepancies in states like Anambra where even high-ranking officials allegedly earn below the mandated minimum wage.
Regarding the country’s reliance on the dollar for transactions, Ajaero expressed concern over the government’s policy. Despite the NLC’s apprehension, he acknowledged their inability to influence the government’s stance on dollarization.
