NLC Slams Obasanjo’s Accusations Over ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Agreement

Labour Union Defends Its Decision Amid Criticism

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly rejected former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s claims that labour leaders betrayed Nigerian workers in accepting the ₦70,000 minimum wage proposal from President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a scathing response titled “Under Saint Matthew of Owu,” NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized Obasanjo’s remarks, calling them unfair and misleading.

Obasanjo’s accusations were made in his recently released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, where he alleged that union leaders had been compromised and had failed to protect workers’ interests. He further suggested that many labour leaders were more interested in political ambitions than the welfare of the workforce. However, Ajaero dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the decision to accept the wage increase was made in the best interest of Nigerian workers.

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NLC Defends Its Demand for a Higher Minimum Wage

Ajaero clarified that the NLC initially demanded a minimum wage of ₦610,000, arguing that this amount was necessary to meet the basic needs of Nigerian workers in the face of rising inflation. However, the government and the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) countered with a significantly lower offer of ₦50,000, leading to a stalemate.

“We had asked for ₦610,000, which we had described as the barest acceptable minimum, complete with a breakdown. The government’s counteroffer of ₦50,000 was made without an explanation of how it would be distributed,” Ajaero stated.

This impasse resulted in strike action by Nigerian workers, which was only suspended after President Tinubu intervened and proposed the ₦70,000 wage. Ajaero acknowledged that while the amount was still inadequate, it was a necessary compromise to prevent greater suffering for workers.

“It was a difficult decision, but we opted for the ₦70,000 to avoid greater hardship. It came with promises of incentives, such as the introduction of CNG buses for workers and free conversion kits for workers’ vehicles, among others,” Ajaero explained.

Obasanjo’s History with Labour Unions Questioned

In response to Obasanjo’s criticism, Ajaero pointed out the former president’s history of suppressing labour unions during his tenure. He accused Obasanjo of actively working against union leaders, citing instances of arrests, detentions, and even violent crackdowns on protesting workers.

“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 the arrest and detention of union leaders, the killing of protesting workers, and his national broadcast wherein he accused the unions of ‘conducting themselves like a parallel government,’” Ajaero stated.

He also recalled how Obasanjo’s administration attempted to dissolve the NLC and, when unsuccessful, created a parallel labour centre to weaken the unions.

“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 parliamentarians like Honourable Obete Obete for not playing his script,” Ajaero added.

NLC Calls for an End to Union Suppression

Ajaero concluded by urging the government to stop undermining labour unions for political reasons. He emphasized that despite constant attacks, the NLC remains committed to fighting for the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers.

“Governments should stop undermining the unions for their selfish interests. We have faced harassment, intimidation, and litigation, but we will continue to fight for workers’ rights,” he said.

The clash between Obasanjo and the NLC highlights the ongoing struggle between labour unions and the government over fair wages and workers’ rights. As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, the role of labour unions in advocating for better conditions remains crucial.