Benson Upah: Failure To Pay Minimum Wage A ‘Crime Against Humanity’, ‘Deliberate Act Of Wickedness’

The Head of Information for the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Benson Upah, has strongly condemned the failure of some state governors to implement the new minimum wage, labelling it a “crime against humanity.”

In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Upah, described the economic damage caused by wage non-compliance as catastrophic, and criticised governors for neglecting their responsibility to workers and local economies.

Upah expressed strong condemnation of governors who have failed to comply with the payment of the new minimum wage, describing the situation as a grave injustice.

“The damage is monumental; it constitutes a crime against humanity because it has been an act of deliberate wickedness,” Upah stated in response to a question about the direct economic harm caused to workers and local economies due to wage non-compliance.

He also highlighted the prolonged delays in wage implementation, particularly referencing the expired minimum wage in April 2019. The process to address the issue, Upah noted, only began in earnest around July this year.

“Quite unfortunately, some governors choose to ignore the law,” he continued.

“Some governors acted exceedingly well— for instance, Kebbi and Edo under Governor Obaseki—then other states acted benevolently.

“But, quite unfortunately, some governors, true to their nature, have ascribed to themselves the power of God actually “godnus” and have chosen not to do anything.

“This has pitted them against us workers, deepened poverty, and led to an increase in social vices. I would like to say that the damage has been existential.”

Upah further emphasised that following the passage of the minimum wage law, it was the responsibility of the governors to engage in discussions with local union leaders, such as the TUC and NLC state councils, to negotiate an appropriate wage scale that would not fall below the mandated minimum wage.

“Two issues here: first, after the passage of the law, it was incumbent upon the governors to sit down and negotiate with the local union leaders—TUC, NLC, and state councils—and together, arrive at what the state would pay, of course, not lower than the minimum wage.”

Addressing the NLC’s potential next steps in pressuring the governors to comply, Upah detailed the strategy for strike action, which involves the withdrawal of services. “At the basic level, this strike entails the withdrawal of services, and it will continue until significant action is taken.

“Beyond that level, we have pressures from different sectors and the Congress urging the governors to do the needful.”

He also remarked on the disparity between the low wages workers are receiving and the extravagant spending habits of some governors. “To not pay the minimum wage is nothing to be proud of. We are talking about 42-43 dollars. It is unimaginable, given the reality of our situation.

“Some governors would have the courage not to pay speedily, while the same governors would not hesitate to spend hundreds of thousands on trivialities, such as giving even a 100 thousand naira to their side cheeks to make their hair. It’s not something to be proud of.”

Upah concluded by expressing hope that the affected states will eventually engage with local labour leaders to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. “I do envisage a situation where the affected states will sit down with our local Labour leaders to work out something mutually agreeable,” he said.

Boluwatife Enome

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