The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to shut down the economy for one month if the National Assembly passes a bill to decentralise the minimum wage.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, stated that the union will resist any attempt to move the minimum wage from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, allowing state governors to determine the minimum wage.
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Ajaero emphasized that decentralizing the minimum wage would lead to a slave wage and poverty for workers.
He noted that the constitution provides for equal pay for equal work, and any attempt to decentralize the minimum wage would be illegal.
Ajaero also commended the current minimum wage, stating that some states are already paying higher than the basic minimum wage.
The NLC has put its members on notice, warning that if the National Assembly passes the bill, they will embark on a one-month strike.
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Ajaero stressed that the union will not accept any attempt to inflict more injuries on workers and citizens. He also criticized the proposed bill, stating that it is unpatriotic and obnoxious.
The National Assembly is currently amending the 1999 constitution, and the proposal to decentralize the minimum wage is one of the amendments being considered.
The NLC has vowed to resist any attempt to pass the bill, emphasizing that it would have severe consequences for workers and the economy.
