Edo NLC Protests Against Transfer Of National Minimum Wage

The9jaTrend

The organised labour in Edo State, joined their counterparts in other states in protest against the  proposal by the National Assembly to transfer the  national minimum wage from the Exclusive Legislative list to the Concurrent Legislative list. 

The Edo State chapter of the labour union which include the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) among others made their position known in a peaceful protest to Edo State House of Assembly in Benin City. 

Addressing the  protesters at the State House of Assembly premises, state chairman of the NLC, Sunny Osayande, said they decided to join their colleagues nationwide to protest against the bill seeking to transfer the National Minimum Wage from the Exclusive Legislative list to the Concurrent Legislative list.

Osayande said the implications of the bill include, "license for state governors to drag the country back to the era of ridiculous slave wages which in the past had precipitated multifarious industrial crises in different parts of the country.

"The exponential creation and expansion of a community of the working poor with all the attendant consequences for socio-economic cohesion, stability and progress could lead to the exclusion of the private sector (both organised and unorganised) from the concept, rationale and logic of a national minimum wage, yet, it is in this informal sector that horrendously unfair labour practices take place. 

"We write to inform the honourable speaker that a private member bill moved by Hon. Garba Datti Mohammed representing Sabon Gari Federal Constituency of Kaduna State and sponsored by a few governors was on February 23, 2021, rushed through first and second readings.

"The bill seeking the transfer of the National Minimum Wage from the Exclusive Legislative list to the Concurrent legislative list. Currently, the bill has been referred to the Ad-hoc committee on Constitution Review. 

"When presented to your State House of Assembly, we appeal to Mr. speaker to intervene to guide the members of the House and refuse assent."

While receiving the protesters at the State House of Assembly on behalf of the speaker, the Clerk of the House, Audu Omogbai said he would convey their message to the speaker.

"I am sure Me. Speaker will key into this your aspiration, he has travelled to Port Harcourt for official assignment and he asked me to receive this letter", he added.