Organised Labour has given governors a two-week ultimatum to initiate negotiations on the implementation of the N35,000 wage award for workers, aligning with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Federal Government, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Trade Union Congress (TUC). The state chapters of NLC and TUC have issued the ultimatum, emphasizing the need to address the subsidy removal pains through the timely implementation of the award.
This ultimatum follows President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration of a N1tn cash transfer program aimed at providing economic relief to 15 million households affected by the fuel subsidy removal. Each household is set to receive N25,000 for three months, amounting to a total expenditure of about N1.13tn.
In various states across the nation, union leaders have written to their respective governors demanding the immediate implementation of the wage award. Notably, Kano State NLC Chairman, Kabiru Inuwa, has conveyed their expectations and hopes that the state government will meet the deadline.
Rivers State TUC has pledged full compliance with the national directive, asserting that states failing to adhere are in breach of the directive. Meanwhile, in Benue State, the NLC and TUC Chairmen reported having written to the state governor on the wage award, awaiting a response.
Other states, including Sokoto, Ogun, Katsina, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Kwara, Kebbi, Bayelsa, and Delta, have initiated negotiations or expressed intentions to engage with the state governments on the payment of the wage award.
Despite these efforts, delays in the implementation of the wage award have prompted unions to voice concerns. The national leadership of NLC and TUC, while unavailable for comments, had previously emphasized the possibility of an indefinite strike if the government fails to implement the Memorandum of Understanding within the stipulated timeframe.
In parallel to the wage award negotiations, President Tinubu has launched the conditional cash transfer initiative as part of the Renewed Hope program. The program, outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding, aims to provide financial support to 15 million households affected by the fuel subsidy removal. President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, highlighted the government’s commitment to alleviating the economic shocks and fostering decent work opportunities for all Nigerians.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, stated that 61 million Nigerians would benefit from the scheme, receiving N75,000 over three months. The government plans to implement various interventions, including low-cost shelter provisions, vocational skills initiatives, and other measures targeting different dimensions of poverty.
As the negotiation period unfolds, the Labour unions stand firm on their demands, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the welfare concerns of workers across the nation. The 30-day ultimatum given by Labour remains in force, with the potential for an indefinite strike if the government fails to fulfill its commitments within the agreed timeframe.
