NLC protesters
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has praised Imo State’s implementation of a N104,000 minimum wage and called on the Federal Government and other states to follow suit.
NLC President Joe Ajaero made the appeal during an interview on the sidelines of the 7th National Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) in Abuja, themed: _“Building Trade Unions’ Future through Strategic Organising and Investments.”_
Ajaero commended Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma’s initiative, stating, “It is real. That is the highest and to a very large extent, it is commendable.”
He noted that Imo’s move, despite not being among the highest revenue-generating states, sets a strong example.
“If the states have the capacity to pay N100,000 and above… it then means others are encouraged to do more,” Ajaero said, emphasizing that the minimum wage is a baseline and states should strive to exceed it.
He added, “You must not wait for the next three years for a wage to be reviewed especially given the current economic situation, so that people can at least survive.”
Reflecting on negotiations with the Federal Government, Ajaero revealed that concerns about aligning with sub-national governments limited higher wage proposals.
He urged other governors to emulate Imo’s proactive approach, saying, “This is an initiative that other governors are supposed to follow.”
Ajaero also raised concerns about the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), alleging that 40 percent of workers’ contributions have been diverted.
“The state… is now seeking to unilaterally amend the NSITF Act,” he warned, demanding accountability and the return of these funds to benefit workers.
NUCECFWW President Stephen Okoro addressed unfair labor practices in the construction industry, particularly by multinational and indigenous companies.
“We bear the pains; our job is to ensure that construction work in this country is in good condition,” Okoro stated, highlighting the union’s efforts to ensure quality roads, buildings, and furniture.
He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to combating unfair practices, declaring, “We believe in the slogan ‘injury to one is injury to all.’”
Okoro also expressed the union’s goal to eliminate casualization and promote decent work conditions to protect members from occupational health hazards.
The conference, tagged _“Abuja 2025″_, underscored the union’s resolve to strengthen workers’ rights and improve labor conditions across Nigeria.
