NLC Stands Firm on December 1 Deadline for Minimum Wage Implementation
Ekwutosblog has gathered that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly reiterated that the December 1 deadline remains in effect for all states to implement the recently established minimum wage increase. This reminder comes amid ongoing negotiations and varying levels of compliance by state governments.
The minimum wage hike was signed into law on July 29, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu, raising the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. Following this, on November 11, the NLC announced November 30 as the cut-off date for states to comply with the new wage standards. If any states fail to implement the updated minimum wage by this deadline, the NLC has directed its members in those states to commence an indefinite strike action starting in December.
While over 30 states have committed to the new wage policy, there are still some notable exceptions. Governors in Zamfara, Sokoto, Cross River, and Nasarawa have yet to reach an agreement on the updated salary structure for their workforce, leaving workers in these states uncertain about the implementation of the wage increase. Despite the majority of states complying, NLC spokesman Benson Upah has emphasized that the union’s expectations apply to all states without exception.
“Majority is not everybody,” Upah stated, reinforcing that every state must align with the union’s directive. “All states must heed the union’s directive or we’ll carry out our threats.” His statement underscores the NLC’s stance that partial compliance is insufficient and that the union is prepared to proceed with a nationwide strike in non-compliant states.
As December approaches, the NLC remains resolute in its demand for complete adherence to the new wage law, aiming to ensure fair pay for workers across Nigeria.
