C hristopher Arapasopo, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun State, speaks with ISMAEEL UTHMAN about the NLC's resolution to enforce the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage nationwide and the reported plan to deregulate wages, among other issues.
How do you feel about the approved N70,000 minimum wage, and how did workers in Osun State receive the news?
The new minimum wage is a development, but we expected more. Nigerian workers were hoping for more than N70,000, but we needed to start somewhere. The current minimum wage is N30,000, so the new minimum wage represents a 134% increase.
Organized labour had initially pushed for N250,000, but the President proposed increasing the fuel pump price in exchange for this amount, which we rejected. Negotiations eventually led to the agreement on N70,000. We also resolved that the review period for the minimum wage should be reduced to three years, meaning another negotiation will occur before the end of the President's first tenure.
Workers received the news positively. However, the salary scale table, which includes various allowances, will ultimately determine if the agreed amount is adequate. Each state will need to negotiate its table, considering the cost of living differences.
Considering the lingering economic hardship, do you think the N70,000 is sufficient for a significant change in workers’ welfare?
If workers receive the new minimum wage on time, it will positively impact their lives. The additional N40,000 on top of the current N30,000 minimum wage will bring about a positive change. Historically, the minimum wage has been increasing, but its value has been decreasing due to inflation and exchange rates. We need to ensure that the N70,000 is not eroded by inflation and push for measures to control inflation.
Taking into consideration the economic disparities of all the states, do you think all the governors will be able to pay the minimum wage?
The organized labour resolved that all state governments must pay the N70,000 minimum wage. States that are unwilling to pay will face protests and shutdowns. We know the states can afford it, and no governor can claim ignorance of the current economic hardships.
Has the Osun State Government initiated any discussion or meeting with the joint labour unions on the new minimum wage?
Not yet, but we will soon engage the government to form a committee comprising labour and government officials to determine a reasonable and workable wage for the workers. Governor Ademola Adeleke has agreed to pay the N70,000, and he has been excellent in managing workers' welfare and salary payments.
It took some states more than four years to start paying the former N30,000 minimum wage; do you envisage that happening with the new wage?
Some governors are not serious and lack human empathy. However, organized labour has resolved to protest and shut down states where governors fail to implement the new minimum wage promptly. No governor can deny the current hardships facing the populace, and the N70,000 minimum wage is non-negotiable.
How do you intend to address the informal sector in Osun State on the minimum wage implementation?
Ninety percent of the private sector is under the NLC, and they will benefit from the N70,000 minimum wage. We will ensure that the informal sector is not left out and that they receive the new wage as well.
There is a perception that the labour unions in each of the states are paper tigers and puppets to the governors. Is that perception correct?
This perception has been around for years, but no labour chairman or executive member is compromised by any government. We are not puppets for any governor. We are committed to putting smiles on the faces of our members and workers.
What are the challenges facing workers in Osun State, and how is the NLC addressing them?
The main concerns are salary payment, promotion, welfare packages, and a good working environment. Governor Adeleke has been prioritizing workers' welfare, and we have no significant issues with his administration. Workers' sacrifices and cooperation significantly contribute to the state's achievements.
There is a reported plan by the National Assembly to deregulate the minimum wage by making state governments negotiate what they want to pay. Do you support this idea?
We strongly oppose this idea. The minimum wage is a national issue, not a state or local one. Deregulating it would give governors too much power and lead to disparities. The current leadership of organized labour will not accept such a move.
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