The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reaffirmed its unwavering stance that the December 1 deadline for all states to implement the new minimum wage remains non-negotiable.
On July 29, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law the Minimum Wage Act, effectively raising the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
In a subsequent announcement on November 11, 2024, the NLC issued a directive mandating all state governments to implement the new wage structure by November 30. States that failed to comply, the union warned, would face industrial action as workers under its umbrella would embark on an indefinite strike starting December 1.
While several states have already adopted the new wage scheme, reports indicate that over 30 governors have committed to ensuring that the minimum monthly salary for workers in their jurisdictions meets or exceeds the N70,000 benchmark. However, a number of states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Cross River, and Nasarawa, have yet to finalize agreements or implement the improved payment structure for their workers, raising concerns within the labor union.
Speaking on the issue, Benson Upah, the NLC’s spokesperson, emphasized that the deadline remains intact.
“The majority is not everybody,” he remarked, addressing reports of widespread compliance. “All states must heed the union’s directive. Failure to do so will trigger the industrial action we have clearly outlined.”
Upah stressed that no state would be exempt from meeting the legal obligation to implement the new minimum wage.
