No state should have an excuse for not paying the N70,000 minimum wage—NECA Adewale Oyerinde, the Director General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), has firmly stated that no state in the federation should have any excuse for not paying the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage. Oyerinde emphasized that state governments have received ample support from the Federal Government to ensure the implementation of the new minimum wage, which was signed into law in July 2024. The signing of this law increased the minimum wage for Nigerian workers from N30,000 to N70,000. Following President Bola Tinubu’s assent to the bill, several state governments promised to implement the wage increase, although some expressed concerns about their financial capabilities. However, during an appearance on Arise TV’s ‘The Morning Show’ on January 7, 2025, Oyerinde refuted claims that some states could not afford to pay the new wage. He stressed that the N70,000 minimum wage is now a permanent fixture. “We have shifted from the stage of hope, and now it’s time to confront reality. The reality is that N70,000 is the law, and all stakeholders, whether at the federal, state, or local level, must align with this law, except for those specifically exempted,” Oyerinde explained. He further highlighted that the issue of funding should not be a concern, as the Federal Government has consistently increased allocations to state governments. “State governments’ allocations have risen proportionally, so with some fiscal discipline, no state should claim it cannot meet the N70,000 wage approved by the president.” If any state governor fails to implement the new minimum wage, Oyerinde warned that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) may have to adopt new strategies to ensure compliance. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Organised Labour has firmly opposed the outright sale of public refineries like the Port Harcourt Refinery to the private sector. After a recent inspection, Labour leaders emphasized their preference for a privatization model that ensures the private sector holds a controlling stake while government, workers, and host communities maintain minority shares. Labour’s Stance on Refinery Privatization The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), alongside the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), have endorsed the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model as the ideal framework for refinery privatization. What is the NLNG Model? The NLNG model is structured with the private sector owning a 51% majority stake, while the federal government retains 49%. This approach has proven effective in fostering collaboration and satisfaction among all stakeholders. NUPENG President’s RemarksPrince Williams Akporeha, President of NUPENG, stated that the visit to the Port Harcourt Refinery strengthened their position against outright privatization. He noted that: The Refinery’s Current PerformanceAkporeha confirmed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is operational and functioning efficiently, dispelling any doubts about its performance. The Labour leaders, including NLC, TUC, and PENGASSAN presidents, reiterated their commitment to rejecting any model that undermines taxpayers’ investments or turns public assets into political favors. Labour’s PositionOrganised Labour insists on the NLNG model as the only acceptable framework for refinery privatization. This ensures: ConclusionLabour’s stance underscores the need for strategic privatization that benefits all stakeholders while preserving national assets. The Port Harcourt Refinery serves as a testament to the importance of a collaborative and balanced approach to economic reforms in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
