In a decisive stance regarding the national minimum wage, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that robust measures are in place to ensure compliance by all states and employers by the end of March.
These remarks were made by Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, the President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), during a one-day National Leadership Retreat held for the union’s National Administrative Committee Members in Abuja.
The retreat was themed “Leadership Challenges amongst Activists,” reflecting on the current struggles faced by labor leaders in Nigeria. Ibrahim, who also serves as the NLC’s National Internal Auditor, expressed the urgent need for these measures in light of ongoing delays by various states and institutions in honoring wage commitments.
He pointed out that the principal issue hindering the implementation of the national minimum wage stems from “insincerity” among some employers.
“The national minimum wage has been signed into law, and payments should have commenced nationwide. But in most institutions and states, what they did was just to award a certain amount or a figure they are merely using to play with the intelligence of workers as minimum wage,” he stated.
Ibrahim expressed confidence in the NLC’s proactive engagement in this matter, asserting, “I can assure you that we are taking very stringent measures to ensure that between now and the end of this first quarter, the minimum wage and consequential adjustment will be implemented.”
He further warned that any state or employer failing to implement the national minimum wage would face repercussions, underscoring the existence of labor laws that empower workers to defend their rights.
Addressing the retreat’s theme, Ibrahim also highlighted internal challenges, noting that some members have compromised strike actions, thus diminishing their effectiveness.
“Unfortunately, some of our own members work against our collective struggle. They engage in blackmail and underhand dealings to derail strike actions. But this is not unique to SSANU; it happens in every sector,” he remarked. He underscored the retreat’s objective to foster unity and discipline among the members.
Ibrahim acknowledged that industrial actions had grown less effective due to government apathy and worker fatigue but affirmed that while strikes should remain a last resort, the union would seek alternative negotiation strategies.
He advocated for ongoing training for university staff and enhanced funding for tertiary institutions, emphasizing that universities must remain hubs of learning and innovation.
“As leaders of this great union, we must ensure that our national executives are equipped with the latest global trends,” Ibrahim urged. He noted SSANU’s status as an NLC affiliate and highlighted the benefits derived from international training programs, which should be shared among all members.
The retreat, which attracted notable figures such as former NLC President Ayuba Wabba, former SSANU President Chief Promise Adeusi, and Director-General of the Institute of Mentoring and Coaching Mr. Rotimi Mathew, aimed to equip union leaders to navigate the challenges ahead and ensure adherence to labor rights throughout the educational sector.
