The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has restated its firm stance on the December 1 deadline for all state governments to implement the newly approved minimum wage of N70,000.
The deadline, originally set for November 30, was announced following the signing of the Minimum Wage Act by President Bola Tinubu on July 29, 2024. The new legislation replaced the former minimum wage of N30,000, representing a significant increase aimed at addressing the rising cost of living in the country.
Majority States Comply, But Some Hold Out
According to the NLC, over 30 state governors have implemented the new wage structure, ensuring the lowest monthly salary for workers meets or exceeds N70,000.
Despite this progress, states including Zamfara, Sokoto, Cross River, and Nasarawa are yet to finalize agreements on the updated payment scheme. This non-compliance has drawn criticism from the union, which insists that the law must be uniformly applied across all states.
Union’s Position Unwavering
Speaking on the matter, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah emphasized that the union’s position remains unchanged.
“Majority is not everybody. All states must heed the union’s directive, or we’ll carry out our threats,” Upah stated, referring to plans for an indefinite strike in non-compliant states after the deadline passes.
The NLC has repeatedly warned state governments about potential industrial action, urging them to prioritize workers’ welfare and uphold the law.
Workers Prepare for Possible Strike
With the December 1 deadline looming, workers in the non-compliant states are preparing for potential disruptions. The NLC has urged its members to be ready to down tools if their state governments fail to implement the new wage structure.
As tension builds, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, with many hoping that outstanding issues will be resolved before the union’s threats materialize into widespread strikes.
A Milestone in Labour Rights
The new minimum wage is seen as a critical step in improving the livelihoods of Nigerian workers, particularly amid rising inflation and economic challenges. However, the union’s push for uniform compliance underscores the need for coordinated efforts to ensure equity and fairness across the states.
For now, all eyes are on the December 1 deadline, as the nation waits to see whether state governments will act in time to avert industrial action.
