We’ll continue to dialogue over full implementation of minimum wage in Anambra – NLC

Mr Humphrey Nwafor, the newly-elected Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra Council, has assured members that his administration would ensure full implementation of the new minimum wage of N30,000.

Nwafor gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Awka, on Monday, after he was elected to complete the tenure of the former chairman, Mr Jerry Nnubia, who recently retired from the civil service.

He also promised to run an all-inclusive leadership during his tenure as well as protect members’ interest and that of the union.

“The past administration signed an agreement with the state government on the issue of minimum wage and its adjustments. It has not been fully implemented.

“We will continue to dialogue to tell government that this minimum wage and its adjustments need to be implemented because it has been signed and sealed.

“I believe that any agreement signed means that we now have a bond. So, achieving this will be my primary focus, because that is the yearning of every worker in the state

“There is also the problem of incessant deductions from the salaries of workers in the state. Organised labour will look into all these problems with a view of finding a lasting solution to them,” he said.

Nwafor said that his administration would constitute an Elders’ Forum to help intervene during conflicts between different unions or between the government and the council in the state.

He said that the organised labour is ready to work with the governor-elect, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to enhance the lots of workers in the state.

“These are some of our areas of focus to help boost the confidence reposed on us by members,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Jude Igwebuike, the state Chairman, Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria and the Returning Officer, said the by-election is a constitutional duty.

“The State Executive Council met and declared the seat of the former Chairman, Nnubia, vacant following his retirement from the civil service.

“It is a constitutional provision and it states that after retirement, you cease to hold any position in the union.

“Mr Nwafor will, however, complete Nnubia’s tenure, remaining about 13 months,” he said.