Workers’ Day: Borno LG staff protest over non-implementation of N70,000 minimum wage, others

The Nigerian Labour Congress in Borno on Friday protested the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and the non-payment of owed pensions by the state government, saying local government staff are the most affected by the current economic reality in the country.

The protest, held in Maiduguri on Friday, was organised by the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and local government staff as part of activities to mark this year’s International Workers Day.

Speaking during the protest, Yusuf Inuwa, the state NLC Chairman, said the lists include the full implementation of the LG minimum wage, three decades of unpaid pension, promotion, and other burning issues.

He said, “You may like to know why we are celebrating our workers’ day on the street today.” We all know the situation we find ourselves in this country. Nigerian workers are the poorest citizens in this country.
Therefore, we chose to celebrate Workers’ Day on the street.

Inuwa continued, “Last two years, the National leadership of organised leaders negotiated the N70,000 minimum for Nigerian workers. That makes it a law for Nigerian workers for all states to pay their workers”.

He acknowledged the state government’s efforts in paying primary school teachers and health care workers, but said it was disheartening that many local government staff are exempted.

“Here in Borno, we negotiated our own. However, local government status is the main issue we faced here in Borno state. The teachers’ and primary health care workers’ minimum wage has been covered, but the main local government staff remain unpaid. They are yet to be captured.

“For us, an injury to one is an injury to all. We go to the same market with them; the hardship and inflation are affecting us all. Their salary can not even sustain them for one week. We say enough is enough.”Inuwa said.

Inuwa charged the Zulum administration to immediately implement the local government minimum wage and pay outstanding pensions and other benefits.