Governors’ Inaction Sparks Outcry: NLC Urges Prompt Payment of Wage Awards to Alleviate Worker Hardship

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has denounced the refusal of certain state governors to fulfill the wage awards for workers in their respective states, labeling it as a display of utmost insensitivity. The union expressed sorrow over the plight of workers due to the implementation of government policies that are unfavorable to the less affluent.
Reports have it that 15 states are reportedly compensating their workers with increments ranging from N10,000 to N40,000 as part of salary adjustments or wage awards. The states failing to honor these wage awards consist of one in the Southeast, four in the South-South, five in the Northwest, three in the Northeast, and two in the North Central.

Here is a list of some of the states that have not fully paid or have not paid at all:
Governor Oborevwori of Delta state: The governor of Delta, Oborevwori Sheriff, has yet to initiate the payment of wage awards to state workers despite President Tinubu’s appeal. Ifeanyi Osuoza, the information commissioner in Delta, informed the media that the government plans to establish a committee to address all wage-related issues, including the minimum wage.

Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers: Under Fubara’s administration, the Rivers government is another state that has not yet started the payment of wage awards eight months after the federal government began the process. Governor Fubara’s administration cited the need to wait for the decision of the tripartite committee, which was formed to review the new minimum wage and includes representatives from the federal government, governors, organized labor, and private entities.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom: The governor of the oil-rich south-south state has pledged that his government is prepared to adhere to the minimum wage agreed upon by the tripartite committee and will initiate payment as soon as it becomes law. Governor Eno also vowed to enhance the welfare of workers in the state and has instructed the compilation of a list of casual workers in the state.

Governor Otti of Abia withholding payments: Governor Alex Otti of Abia state has not yet begun the disbursement of wage awards, indicating that his administration will examine the demands of the workers. The NLC in the state has implored the governor to authorize the N35,000 wage award to alleviate the suffering of workers amidst the current economic challenges in the country.
Nasir Idris establishes committee: The Kebbi state government disclosed the establishment of a committee on May 1 to formulate a feasible minimum wage for state employees. Nevertheless, Governor Idris’s administration in the state has not yet initiated the payment of wage awards eight months after the federal government commenced the process.