By Emmanuel Sixtus
Now that the chips are down, everything Governor Soludo said about the minimum wage in the state appears to be a political stunt meant to take undue advantage of the workers in the state.
As the Organised Labour, comprising the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), calls for a prayer session to discuss updates on minimum wage and adjustments in Anambra State, it’s time we address the real issue at hand.
The organised labour appears to be clueless and giving up on the fight for a fair return, thus relying on prayers.
With inflation and the cost of living soaring, the burden on the average worker is heavier than ever. A prayer session, no matter how sincere, is not going to alleviate these struggles.
What workers truly need is action—decisive, concrete steps to ensure fair, equitable, and timely payment aligned with their roles, responsibilities, and the economic realities of our time.
On October 30, 2024, the Organised Labour issued a communiqué applauding the governor for his commitment to a revised minimum wage of N70,000 and an N10,000 cash award to pensioners. While this is a commendable move, let’s not mistake a promise for progress. The applause must not overshadow the fact that many employees on Levels 08 to 16 are still awaiting adequate wage adjustments that reflect their seniority and cadre-specific duties. An appeal for further adjustments is clearly stated in the communiqué, but these are more than just words on paper; they are the voices of thousands of workers who rely on fair compensation to support their families.
Prayers have their place, but they must not become a substitute for accountability and action. If the labour council is serious about uplifting workers, it must focus on enforceable policies, timelines, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the governor’s promises are not only kept but expanded upon to address the unique needs of different cadres. Rather than a gathering of well wishes and invocations, what is urgently needed is a transparent, binding commitment from the government to implement these changes promptly.
The Path Forward: Practical Solutions, Not Platitudes
To truly support workers, the government needs a structured, multi-tiered approach to tackle wage adjustments based on cadre, with a system that ensures long-term adherence to fair remuneration. Here are actionable steps that would genuinely uplift workers and ensure sustainable progress.
1. Immediate Wage Adjustment for Higher Levels: The communiqué emphasises the need for adjustments from Levels 08 to 16. These senior employees, who bear more responsibility and oversight, must receive proportional pay reflective of their duties. The wage scale should not only be revised but should also be audited annually to prevent stagnation and ensure wages remain competitive and fair, factoring in inflation and changes in the cost of living. The time for review is now, not after another year of suffering due to economic challenges. Organised labour must demand a timeline for these adjustments and refuse to settle for vague promises.
2. Enforce Regular Audits and Accountability Measures: One of the primary obstacles in achieving fair pay is the lack of consistent monitoring and enforcement. To rectify this, there should be a third-party audit of wage structures and payments across different levels. The audit should identify gaps and recommend immediate solutions to ensure equity across all cadre levels. Moreover, a dedicated oversight committee, including representatives from the NLC, TUC, and government officials, should regularly review these findings and ensure compliance.
3. Inclusion of Domestic Staff Support: In an age where high-ranking officers often perform their duties around the clock, the omission of allowances or support for domestic staff, particularly at Levels 15 and 16, is a serious oversight. This lack of support fails to recognise the real-life responsibilities and contributions of senior officers. Organised labour must pressure the government to rectify this as part of a holistic approach to fair compensation.
4. Public Disclosure of Progress and Continuous Engagement: To maintain transparency and build trust, organised labour should publish regular updates on the government’s progress in implementing wage adjustments and any other agreements. This should be made accessible to all workers and the general public, detailing actions taken, current pay structures, and future plans. Furthermore, regular town halls or forums should be conducted to allow workers to voice their concerns directly to decision-makers, ensuring a feedback loop that keeps the government accountable to the promises made.
5. Set a Standard for Living Wages, Not Just Minimum Wages: The organised demand for a minimum wage of N70,000 is a step in the right direction. However, a minimum wage is only one aspect of the broader issue of wage adequacy. The conversation must move towards ensuring a “living wage” that meets the basic needs of workers and their families, providing them with security, healthcare, education, and a dignified life. Organised labour should champion this idea, advocating for a future in which wages across all levels meet a living wage standard rather than the bare minimum.
6. Mobilise Workers for Collective Action If Necessary: History has shown that significant reforms are often achieved when workers stand united and mobilise for their rights. If the government drags its feet or fails to adhere to the promised wage adjustments, organised labour should be prepared to lead collective action, including protests or work stoppages if necessary. This is not a call for conflict but for an assertive demonstration of the power and resilience of the workforce, making it clear that inaction is unacceptable.
Conclusion:
A Call to Action, Not to Complacency, should be the focus of the organised labour.
While prayer may offer comfort, it is action that brings change. Organised labour must not only voice concerns but also demand timelines, set benchmarks, and hold leaders accountable. The government must honour its commitments to fair wages and equitable treatment of workers, not as a favour but as a duty. The leaders of Anambra State should recognise that their responsibility extends beyond issuing promises; it requires delivering measurable results.
In these challenging economic times, the plight of the working class cannot be left to chance or goodwill alone. True progress will come when words translate into actions, when prayers lead to policies, and when organised labour stands resolute in the pursuit of dignity, fairness, and equity for every worker in the state. The time for hope has passed; the time for action is now.
There are a range of options before the organised labour; aside from prayer, pressure can be mounted on the state through protest and civil disobedience. Let me be clear: prayer without work leads to nothing.
