The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reiterated its December 1, 2024, deadline for all state governments to implement the new minimum wage of N70,000, warning that failure to comply will trigger an indefinite strike by workers in defaulting states.
This position comes after the passage of the new minimum wage bill into law by President Bola Tinubu on July 29, 2024.
The legislation raised the country’s minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000, aiming to cushion workers against the rising cost of living.
On November 11, the NLC had initially set a November 30 deadline for implementation, which was later extended by one day.
The union has since maintained its stance, emphasizing that non-compliant states risk industrial action.
NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, confirmed that the directive remains unchanged. “Nothing has changed as per that directive,” he said, underscoring the union’s commitment to ensuring that workers nationwide benefit from the new wage scheme.
While over 30 governors have approved the new wage structure, states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Cross River, and Nasarawa are yet to reach agreements with their respective labor unions.
This has raised concerns among workers in those states, who may soon embark on industrial action to press home their demands.
The NLC’s insistence reflects its determination to protect workers’ rights and hold state governments accountable for implementing policies that improve the welfare of their workforce.
As the December 1 deadline looms, all eyes are on the remaining states to act swiftly and avert disruptions to public services.
The union’s resolve to enforce compliance highlights the ongoing struggle for better living standards in the face of Nigeria’s economic challenges.