In 2015, four friends—Musa, Ayo, Chike, and Fineface—graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, each earning a Second Class Upper in Economics. Their aspirations were high, fueled by a shared belief in meritocracy and the promise of equal opportunity within Nigeria’s public service.
Musa, leveraging his father’s connections, secured a position at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Ayo, through similar means, joined the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Chike and Fineface, without influential networks, entered the federal civil service via the Civil Service Commission, redeployed to core ministries.
Despite identical qualifications and entry-level positions, their remuneration packages starkly contrasted. Musa and Ayo: Benefited from lucrative salaries, substantial allowances, and annual bonuses. They acquired properties in Abuja and enjoyed annual vacations abroad.
Chike and Fineface: Received poor salaries barely sufficient for basic needs. They struggled with housing and transportation costs, often resorting to loans to make ends meet. They run a rat race, hoping for a better future that is far in sight.
This wage disparity contravenes the principle of “equal pay for equal work,” enshrined in international labour standards. The International Labour Organization’s Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), mandates equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. Nigeria, as a signatory, is obligated to uphold this standard.
The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 17(3)(f), stipulates that “equal pay for equal work without discrimination on account of sex, or on any other ground whatsoever.” Furthermore, Section 42 prohibits discrimination based on ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion, or political opinion.
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has reinforced these principles. In Uzo Ejekwumadu v. Blue Arrow TSW Limited, the court held that wage disparities between local and foreign staff constituted unfair labour practices.
The Federal Character Commission (FCC), established under Section 153 of the Constitution, aims to ensure equitable distribution of public posts and socio-economic infrastructures. However, its mandate has been undermined by systemic inequalities in remuneration across federal agencies.
Chike and Fineface’s experiences reflect the broader consequences of wage disparities:
Economic Hardship: Inability to afford decent housing, healthcare, and education.
Low Morale: Feelings of undervaluation and demotivation, leading to decreased productivity.
Corruption Risks: Financial pressures increase susceptibility to corrupt practices.
These outcomes not only affect individual workers but also impede the efficiency and integrity of the public service.
Labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), even though with muted voices, have in the past advocated for salary harmonisation. They argue that the existence of over 25 different salary structures within the public service fosters inequality and inefficiency.
Experts have also highlighted the link between salary disparities and corruption. Dr. Seun Olayungbo of Obafemi Awolowo University emphasised the need for harmonisation to promote fairness and reduce corrupt tendencies.
To address these disparities, several legal and policy measures are necessary:
Salary Harmonisation: Implement a unified salary structure across all federal agencies, ensuring equal pay for work of equal value.
Legislative Action: Enact laws reinforcing the principles of equal remuneration and prohibiting discriminatory pay practices.
Judicial Enforcement: Encourage affected workers to seek redress through the NICN, leveraging precedents that uphold fair labour practices.
Strengthening the FCC: Empower the Federal Character Commission to monitor and enforce equitable remuneration policies.
The story of Musa, Ayo, Chike, and Fineface underscores the urgent need to address wage disparities within Nigeria’s public service. As we commemorate Workers’ Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to justice, equity, and the rule of law. It is imperative to dismantle systemic inequalities and build a public service that truly reflects the principles of fairness and equal opportunity.
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