Nigeria’s National Labor Congress (NLC) chief, Joe Ajaero, cast a shadow over the newly formed 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage by accusing “most” of the participating governors of neglecting to prioritize a living wage for their states.
Ajaero’s criticism came just hours after Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the committee in Abuja, emphasizing its role in establishing a decent living wage and adherence to the National Minimum Wage Act of 2019, set to expire soon.
In a Tuesday interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Ajaero bluntly stated, “Most of the governors in the minimum wage committee are those who are not paying minimum wage or paying them in breaches.”
”The governors who are in full compliance with the minimum wage are not adequately represented, so whatever made the Federal Government bring in those who are not compliant or compliant in breaches to form the bulk of the membership of the minimum wage committee from the state government that will unfold with time.”
Ajaero’s accusation could stem from several factors. Some states struggle with financial constraints, making timely and full minimum wage payments challenging. Others might have implemented the wage below the legally mandated level or engaged in partial payments, effectively “breaching” the Act.
This accusation from the NLC, representing labor interests, sets a tense tone for the committee’s work. Trust and transparency will be crucial to navigate these tensions and ensure a fair and inclusive wage-setting process.
