MINIMUM WAGE: NLC REPLIES OBASANJO

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his recent remarks about the leadership of trade unions in the country.

In his book “Nigeria: Past and Future”, Obasanjo had expressed concern over the state of workers’ rights and accused union leaders of failing to protect workers’ interests.

In response, the NLC, in a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, on Monday, rejected Obasanjo’s assertions, particularly his claim that workers have become victims of those meant to protect their rights.

The Congress insisted that the real culprits undermining workers’ welfare are not union leaders, but rather malevolent governments and exploitative employers.

In the book, Obasanjo, also pointed out the inadequacy of the minimum wage, stating that it barely covers transportation costs for many workers, much less other essential needs like food and housing.

However, the NLC noted how the lack of clarity by the government and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) during the negotiations led to a deadlock in the process, resulting in a strike action that was only suspended after President Bola Tinubu intervened and made an offer of N70,000, slightly above the amount recommended by the Minimum Wage Committee.

The former president further raised concerns about the political ambitions of union leaders, citing the case of a union leader negotiating for a gubernatorial candidate.

The NLC responded by affirming that the Nigerian Constitution grants every citizen, including union leaders, the right to participate in political leadership. The union reminded Obasanjo that the NLC has produced three state governors from its ranks, with the first one elected during his presidency.

The Congress also rejected Obasanjo’s claim that current union leaders are ineffective compared to the expectations of the founding fathers of the labor movement.

The workers’ body called on the government to stop undermining the interests of workers and trade unions for selfish political reasons.

Acknowledging its respect for Obasanjo as an elder statesman, NLC stressed that trade unions should not be blamed for the systemic failures that continue to plague Nigerian workers, but that the focus should be on empowering workers and addressing the root causes of their suffering.

“If Chief Obasanjo has noticed an erosion in the powers of the trade unions, he should do a soul search. Who knows, he might find himself culpable right from arrest and detention of union leaders, killing of protesting workers, his national broadcast wherein he accused the unions “of conducting themselves like a parallel government”.

“And above all, his vengeful plan and mission to proscribe the Nigeria Labour Congress. When the plot failed, he created a parallel labour centre. We recall the punishment he meted out to the Parliamentarians like Honourable Obete Obete for not playing his script

“Given this historical fact, it is uncharitable of Chief Obasanjo to turn on the unions. But then we respect our elders here.

“In summary, governments should stop undermining the unions for their selfish interests,” the document read in parts.