Anambra, Abia, Adamawa, 12 Other States Yet to Implement N30,000 Minimum Wage – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized 15 state governors, including those of Abia and Anambra, for not implementing the N30,000 minimum wage enacted in 2019.

In an interview in Abuja on Monday, Chris Onyeka, NLC’s assistant general secretary, condemned these governors for disregarding the Minimum Wage Act, highlighting that workers are still waiting for the passage of a new minimum wage.

Despite the increased revenue for states following the removal of fuel subsidies and the resulting rise in fuel prices, these states have yet to comply with the wage law. The states in question are Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Gombe, Niger, Borno, Sokoto, Imo, Benue, Taraba, and Zamfara.

Onyeka pointed out that governors who do not respect the law often have a history of gaining power through questionable means. He argued that these governors view state resources as their own, neglecting the workers who help generate this wealth.

“A state governor who does not believe in the sanctity of the laws will have a high proclivity to disobey them,” Onyeka stated. He emphasized that many governors think they can delay or manipulate workers’ salaries without facing consequences, forgetting that these workers rely on their wages to meet basic needs.

He also called out the fiscal irresponsibility and personal greed of some governors, which he said led to the misappropriation of state funds. Onyeka urged for a reduction in the cost of governance by cutting down on political appointees, logistical expenses, and the number of official vehicles.

Furthermore, he advocated for the alignment of salaries and allowances of elected and appointed officials with those of civil servants. Onyeka stressed the importance of budgetary discipline, integrity in procurement processes, and a focus on governance rather than frequent trips to Abuja, which incur significant expenses.

The NLC continues to push for the enforcement of the minimum wage law to ensure that all workers receive fair compensation for their labor.