MINIMUM WAGE: Labour body sets for showdown against six Nigerian states
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has initiated a significant strike action against six state governments due to their failure to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage, which is set at a minimum of N70,000.
The states involved in this labor dispute are Enugu, Abia, Oyo, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Ebonyi. This situation arises from ongoing tensions between labor unions and state governments regarding wage compliance.
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The 2024 National Minimum Wage Act mandates that all employers, including state governments, must pay their workers no less than N70,000. Despite this legal requirement being established months ago, several states have not adhered to it. The NLC’s president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, expressed frustration over the lack of compliance and highlighted that many states are citing financial difficulties or administrative hurdles as reasons for their non-compliance.
Specific state issues
Ebonyi State
Governor Francis Nwifuru’s recent comments have escalated tensions significantly. He threatened to dismiss any striking workers unless they returned to work immediately. Ajaero condemned these remarks as “irresponsible and unhelpful,” arguing that such threats exacerbate an already strained situation.
Kaduna State
While the Kaduna State government claims it has begun implementing the new minimum wage—stating that the lowest-paid worker received N72,000 in November—the NLC argues that there has been no agreement on consequential adjustments to salaries as previously negotiated with labor representatives.
Other States
Enugu, Abia, Nasarawa, Oyo, and Zamfara are also mentioned as states where compliance with the minimum wage law is lacking. The NLC has called upon all its affiliates and private-sector unions to join in solidarity with those affected by these non-compliance issues.
Call to action by the NLC
In response to these challenges, the NLC has directed all its affiliates to participate in the strike until satisfactory resolutions are achieved regarding wage payments across these states. The organized labor movement emphasizes that workers should not succumb to threats from state governors but instead maintain their stance for fair compensation as mandated by law.
