The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has put forward a list of seven fresh demands to the Bola Tinubu-led federal government in anticipation of this year’s Workers’ Day celebration on May 1.
This initiative comes in addition to the ongoing demand for an increase in the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
Hakeem Ambali, the National Treasurer of the NLC, outlined the new demands, emphasizing the urgent need for action on key issues affecting workers and the nation at large. Among the demands is the call for the creation of state and local government police forces to address the prevailing insecurity across the country.
Ambali stated, “We expect that there should be improved labour government industrial relations, full implementation of the minimum wage across the board for federal, state, local government, and private sector workers.”
The demands also include the settlement of pension arrears, the establishment of compressed natural gas conversion centers in all senatorial districts, and the refurbishment of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.
Furthermore, the NLC advocates for the creation of state and local government police forces, granting local government autonomy, and providing infrastructure support schemes to all local governments.
The NLC reiterated the importance of states, local governments, and the organized private sector adhering to the new minimum wage once it receives approval. It’s worth noting that the organized labour previously proposed a minimum wage of N615,000 per month. Ambali highlighted that the NLC eagerly awaits an invitation to the next meeting of the tripartite committee on the minimum wage. This ongoing dialogue between labour unions, the government, and employers is crucial in ensuring fair wages and improved working conditions for Nigerian workers.
As preparations for Workers’ Day unfold, the NLC’s demands underscore the pressing need for comprehensive reforms and proactive measures to address the challenges facing workers and the nation as a whole.
NLC’s Seven Demands The demands presented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to the Bola Tinubu-led federal government ahead of the Workers’ Day celebration are as follows:
1. Improved labour government industrial relations.
2. Full implementation of the minimum wage across the board for federal, state, local government, and private sector workers.
3. Settlement of pension arrears.
4. Establishment of compressed natural gas conversion centers in all senatorial districts.
5. Fixing of Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.
6. Creation of state and local government police forces.
7. Granting of local government autonomy and infrastructure support schemes to all local governments.
