Minimum Wage: Anambra Workers Face Uncertainty Amid Assembly’s Continued Disdain

As the national minimum wage debate continues, there is skepticism that even if the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) accept the federal government’s proposal of N62,000, it will be implemented in Anambra State.

In Anambra, there has been ongoing discussion about the poor conditions under which workers operate, including their low wages, which are reportedly below the current minimum wage of N30,000 in Nigeria.

In a recent national TV interview, NLC president Comrade Joe Ajaero claimed that while negotiations were ongoing with the federal government, Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo was urging other governors to reject the new minimum wage.

Additionally, NLC leader Comrade Benson Upah stated in another interview that Anambra is one of the worst states for civil servants. He insisted that despite the NLC rejecting the N62,000 minimum wage, Anambra still pays only N20,000 under Soludo’s administration.

These factors have fueled doubts that even if the NLC eventually accepts the N62,000 minimum wage, Anambra State workers may not benefit from it.

Compounding this doubt is the fact that once the national minimum wage becomes law, state assemblies must also enact laws to implement it locally. Critics argue that the Anambra State House of Assembly and the governor have shown little concern for workers’ welfare.

During an enforcement of a national strike by the Anambra State NLC, there was a near-violent confrontation with lawmakers. In February, Assembly workers under the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) also clashed with lawmakers during a strike.

This has raised questions about how lawmakers, who earn substantial salaries, can be so indifferent to the well-being of workers in the same establishment.

NLC Clash with Lawmakers

During a recent enforcement exercise, lawmaker Hon. Tony Muobike, representing Aguata II Constituency, confronted Labour leaders, saying they had no right to picket the Assembly. Muobike allegedly insulted the workers, calling them lazy and suggesting they could be replaced by robots, which led to an altercation.

Muobike’s comments, criticizing workers and suggesting they didn’t deserve the minimum wage, escalated tensions. He reportedly threatened to slap anyone who spoke against him and called the Labour leaders unprintable names.

PASAN Protest

In another incident, PASAN leaders protested poor pay and working conditions at the Assembly complex. Deputy National President of PASAN, Comrade Promise Chijioke Onwukwe, accused lawmakers of using corps members to perform duties instead of paying proper wages. He highlighted the poor conditions workers face, including dealing with overgrown grasses and frequent encounters with reptiles.

Responding to these allegations, Majority Leader Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme insisted that the protesting staff were under the Head of Service, not the Assembly. He stated that workers dissatisfied with their assignment should return to the Head of Service instead of disrupting Assembly activities.

Governor Soludo’s Stance

Governor Soludo has publicly opposed the new minimum wage, cautioning President Bola Tinubu against approving it, arguing that it is not feasible for employers to pay. He warned that an unsustainable minimum wage could have severe consequences.

Public Reactions

Several stakeholders have criticized the anti-worker stance of both the governor and the state assembly. Public affairs analyst Mr. Ikenna Nwubaka condemned Soludo’s treatment of workers, noting that he convinced Labour leaders to accept a lower wage than the national minimum.

The NLC and TUC issued a joint statement condemning Hon. Muobike’s behavior, describing his actions as immature and disconnected from his constituency. They criticized his callous remarks about replacing workers with robots and his aggressive response to peaceful protests.

Commentator Mr. Tony Okafor also denounced Muobike’s comments, calling for an apology and constructive dialogue with labor union leaders.

In conclusion, there is widespread doubt that Anambra State will implement the proposed N62,000 minimum wage, given the current administration’s and Assembly’s apparent disregard for workers’ welfare.