The House of Representatives has decided to engage with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) concerning its threat to initiate an industrial action over the new minimum wage.
This resolution emerged following a personal explanation by Kelechi Nwogu, representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency of Rivers State. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu announced that the House leadership will meet with organized labour leaders regarding the minimum wage issue and report back within a week.
Nwogu informed the House that the NLC has planned to commence a strike on May 31 due to a dispute with the Federal Government over the approval of a new minimum wage. He emphasized the need for the House to take proactive steps to prevent the strike and recalled that the House had previously adopted a motion on March 16 supporting the need for a new minimum wage.
However, Nwogu pointed out that the relevant committee has yet to report back to the House, contrary to the House Standing Order which mandates committees to complete their assignments within 30 days unless an extension is granted.
“If you look at Order 18 Rule 1 Sub 5 of our standing order, it says any matter referred to a committee shall be treated within 30 days, otherwise the committee stands discharged after 60 days, except there is an extension of time. This House adopted a motion on the need to provide a living wage for workers in Nigeria, sponsored by the deputy minority leader and others on the 16th of March. The report was supposed to be presented to the House prior to this time,” Nwogu stated.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda also emphasized the urgency of the matter, insisting that the House must act immediately to prevent the labour strike.