As Nigerians prepare to celebrate Christmas on Wednesday, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and workers across the country have appealed to state governors to clear minimum wage arrears, salary differentials, and pay 13th-month salary.

The union leaders made the appeal in light of the severe economic hardship and soaring cost of foodstuffs, which has placed an unbearable strain on the masses.

They noted that settling these financial obligations would go a long way in easing the burden on employees during the festive season.

The country has been grappling with a relentless rise in prices of goods and services before the Federal Government signed the National Minimum Wage Act of N70,000 into law in July.

Inflation has deeply affected Nigerian workers, disrupting their daily lives and amplifying economic challenges.

The continuous rise In food prices and the cost of essential commodities hasstrained household budgets and left many struggling to afford basic needs.

Staples such as rice, which used to be relatively affordable, now sell at astronomical prices.

This surge in prices has forced families to reduce portions or substitute meals altogether, impacting nutrition and general well-being.

Transportation costs have also skyrocketed, making commuting and travel a luxury for many.

For those in rural areas, accessing markets or schools has become burdensome, with fuel prices compounding the strain on household incomes.

To cushion the impact of the economic crisis, state governors had pledged at various times to implement the new minimum wage.

Six states?Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, Gombe, Ondo, and Kogi?announced plans to pay above the stipulated amount, while others committed to paying the exact figure.

However, by November ending, 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory did not implement the new wage law.

The delay prompted the Nigeria Labour Congress to declare a nationwide strike on December 2.

Despite the NLC?s move, the industrial action recorded limited compliance, as several states assured workers that payments would commence in 2025.

In separate interviews with our correspondents on Friday, some state NLC chairmen and workers urged state governors to clear the accumulated arrears of the old and new minimum wage, allowances, and pay 13th-month salaries before the New Year.

They emphasised that the payments would mitigate the impact of the prevailing economic hardship and inflation during the festive period.

The Ogun State Chairman of the NLC, Hameed Ademola-Benco, noted that arrears of the new minimum wage were not part of the state?s negotiations with the union.

He, however, appealed for settlement of other entitlements.

A public school teacher in the state, Pastor Kehinde Buraimoh, added, ?We would be delighted if the government pays the 13th-month salary as a Christmas and New Year bonus.?

Similarly, Delta State workers urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to settle arrears of the new minimum wage as a festive season gesture.

A civil servant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented the soaring cost of rice, now priced between N98,000 and N125,000 per bag.

In Oyo State, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, assured workers of the government?s commitment to their welfare.

?The Seyi Makinde administration does not see workers? welfare as seasonal. This year, salaries were paid earlier than expected, and the 13th-month salary, a yearly tradition, will be paid as well,? he reassured.

Meanwhile, in Ondo State, the government announced plans to pay workers? salaries before Christmas Day, with employees hoping the 13th-month salary would also be included.

The Deputy?President of the Trade Union Congress, Tommy Okon, described the payment of minimum wage arrears to state civil servants as ?non-negotiable.?

?The payment of arrears is very important and non-negotiable,? Okon said. ?State governments must pay workers from July 29, 2024, when the new wage law took effect. No sane government will start paying the minimum wage without considering arrears.?

Traders decry poor sales

Traders in Taraba, Plateau, and Zamfara states expressed concerns over low patronage as inflation deterred buyers.

In Jalingo, a livestock seller, Mallam Usman Garba, lamented poor sales.

He said, ?By now, I would have sold most of my stock, but this year is different. A medium-sized goat that cost N30,000 last year now goes for N45,000. Buyers come, ask for prices, and leave.?

Foodstuff traders also reported discouraging sales.

While lamenting similar woes, a rice seller, Mrs Amina Bala, said, ?A bag of rice now costs N80,000, and most customers can only afford small quantities. Sales have been discouraging.? (Sunday PUNCH)

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